Jacinda Ardern tells James Bulger killer Jon Venables 'don't bother' applying for move to New Zealand

Jacinda Ardern has told James Bulger’s killer Jon Venables “not to bother applying” to move to New Zealand.

The prime minister’s stern words come after reports that British officials could consider relocating the convicted murderer to New Zealand, Canada or Australia.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ms Ardern said: "I'm advised that Immigration NZ have not received anything official. Because of his existing convictions, he would need an exemption under [the Immigration Act].

"My advice would be: 'Don't bother applying.'"

Venables and Robert Thompson were granted lifelong anonymity worldwide after being found guilty of murder when they were aged 10 and released from life sentences in 2001, aged 18.

Two-year-old James was snatched by the pair from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside in February 1993. They tortured and beat the boy to death at a nearby railway line.

Thompson has reportedly made a new life for himself but 36-year-old Venables has twice been back in prison for offences relating to child pornography.

The Daily Star reported that the cost of funding legal battles to keep Venables’ name secret is behind the relocation plans.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that a bid to protect his anonymity cost taxpayers more than £65,000.

In March, James' father, Ralph Bulger, lost a legal battle to identify Venables publicly.

President of the family division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, refused to change the terms of the order, saying it was a "wholly exceptional case" which was designed to protect the "uniquely notorious" Venables from "being put to death".