Kerry McCarthy Labour MP for Bristol East
Yesterday I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on a petition calling for ‘Jade’s Law’. It’s named after mother-of-four Jade Ward, who was tragically murdered by her estranged husband last year.
Parents in prison automatically keep responsibility for their children, and can influence decisions made on their behalf until they turn 18. Shockingly for Jade’s children their right to a new passport or life-saving medical procedure currently lies with the man who killed their mother. The petition is calling for parental responsibility to be automatically suspended in such cases.
Children Heard and Seen tell me domestic abusers can exploit PR to continue to control their victims. Families can only challenge this right via the courts, meaning they might have to attend hearings with the perpetrator.
I’m glad to see Labour give Jade’s Law our full support. Victims’ Minister Edward Argar wouldn’t commit to this, but has agreed to see if the legal process can be made quicker and easier for families.