On Thursday next week, I will be sponsoring a debate with Ann Coffey MP in the House of Commons on how we can better protect 16-17 year olds from child sexual exploitation. The first marker by which we should measure our success as Parliamentarians, and as a society, is how we take care of the most vulnerable. These victims are children, often in care, and often suffering from learning difficulties and mental health problems. Many have suffered chaotic and abusive childhoods. Despite their vulnerability the law presently offers them no special protection and this needs to change. I want to see all children protected properly by the law and tougher sentences to punish people who groom children for sex. Members will also explore the wider issues surrounding this in the debate. This is a matter that deserves our full attention.
You can read more about this issue in the Children’s Society Report.