CYP Now - Analysis: Children Bill - Not enough time for arguments

There's only one more chance for opponents in the Commons to change the wording of the Children Bill before it passes its third and final reading, but many people are not happy, saying not enough time has been given for discussion. Daniel Martin investigates.

The tightness of the schedule for debating the Children Bill is such that many of the amendments that were due for discussion have not been debated.

The whole committee stage in the Commons has been "ridiculous", according to Hilton Dawson, the Labour backbencher who has campaigned on children's issues.

To compound matters, after listening in the Lords and making a number of concessions, the Government is now playing tough. It overturned a series of changes made in the Lords - most notably removing all references to "children's rights" from the role of the commissioner - and refused to back down on any amendments placed by MPs on the committee.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included