Statement on the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

No child should ever face sexual abuse. These horrifying crimes demand action to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable.

The Conservatives choose to submit a reasoned amendment, not a normal amendment. Their reasoned amendment wouldn’t secure a national inquiry but would block the Children’s Wellbeing Bill completely, which includes vital measures to protect children. That’s why I didn’t vote for it.

We agree with Professor Alexis Jay's statement urging the government to act on child sexual abuse. Her call for immediate action aligns with our commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring justice for victims.

Protecting vulnerable children, like Woking’s own Sara Sharif, must always come first. The new Children Not in School Register will help keep children safe and I will push for further improvements.