Children's charities have attacked the Government's handling of the sexual offences bill, which has ended its examination by the standing committee last week.

Ministers have been criticised for not taking the opportunity to amend clauses that would criminalise consensual sexual behaviour among under-16s.

The Children's Legal Centre has tabled a set of amendments that has so far been ignored.

Rachel Harvey, international programme manager at the centre, said: "We welcome child protection measures, but feel a blanket ban on normal consensual sexual behaviour between young people sends out the wrong messages."