Labour MPs and campaigners were delighted when the Government agreed to Labour proposals to tighten laws around sexual exploitation of children.
Emma backed the amendments to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, tabled by Labour MP Sarah Champion, to make it easier to convict individuals for grooming offences. Currently a person needs to be caught contacting a child for sex twice in order to be convicted of grooming – the changes proposed would allow them to be convicted on the basis of one incident.
The Justice Secretary Chris Grayling accepted the case for this amendment, and has agreed that the Government will change the Bill as it goes through the House of Lords.
The proposals came out of a six month inquiry carried out by Barnardo’s, chaired by Sarah. Emma sat on the inquiry because of her background as a child protection social worker. The Bill is expected to become law later this year.
Emma said:
“I am delighted that these proposals are going to become law, and I want to congratulate Barnardo’s and Sarah on the fantastic work they’ve done on this issue. Thanks to their efforts children will be better protected and more sexual predators will be convicted.
“I am pleased to have been a part of this campaign, and would like to thank Barnardo’s for allowing me to take part in the inquiry which led to this important change.”