Important legislative update: The House of Lords has concluded the Report Stage for the Victims and Courts Bill. As the architect of the Jade’s Law framework, I’ve issued a statement below responding to the Government’s latest timeline and the proposed amendments to Parental Responsibility. We are moving in the right direction, but the wait for December 2026 is still too long for families at risk. Read the full response below - also published on my linkedin page.

Please also refer to the Victims and Courts Bill - Hansard - UK Parliament (links open a new browser window)

I can also confirm that there is movement to expand the initial scope of Jade's Law to include offenders of child cruelty who receive a four-year sentence or more, the courts will automatically hand out a Prohibitive Steps Order, effectively removing PR from them, which acknowledges my work to create a standalone Parental Responsibility Act.

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Statement:
Response to the House of Lords Report Stage Debate on the Victims and Courts Bill

Following the Report Stage debate on the Victims and Courts Bill held on Tuesday, 10th March 2026, I wish to offer the following statement regarding the ongoing progress of legislation surrounding Parental Responsibility.

As the individual who initiated the present national focus on Parental Responsibility through the campaign I led for "Jade’s Law," I have remained deeply invested in ensuring our legal system prioritises the safety of children over the rights of violent offenders. Having served as the architect of the framework which is now drawn into the present legislation, it is encouraging to see these principles being debated at the highest levels of government.

During the recent debate, I noted the discussion surrounding Amendment 4, tabled by Lord Keen, which sought to restrict the parental responsibility of those convicted of child cruelty and sentenced to four years or more in prison.

While I am pleased that the Government views the aim of this amendment as "sound and principled," I take note of their current hesitation to extend provisions further until the initial measures, which they describe as "novel and untested", have been monitored for their impact on family court caseloads.

Regarding the implementation of Jade’s Law, I acknowledge the Government’s update and their commitment to navigating the complex procedural changes required across the justice system.

While I welcome the news that the implementation date has been brought forward from April 2027 to December 2026, I believe we must strive for even greater urgency.

It is undoubtedly promising that the House of Lords has taken proactive steps to further protect children, both through the amendments discussed during the second reading and the recent Report Stage. However, every day that passes without these protections in place is a day that vulnerable children remain at risk of further control by those who have caused them harm.

While the progress made is a testament to the strength of our campaign, I remain hopeful, and will continue to advocate, that the final enactment of these measures is swifter than ministers currently forecast.

Protection delayed is protection denied, and our children deserve a justice system that acts with the utmost speed.

Edwin Duggan LLB(Hons)

Published 12th March 2026