MPs debate protecting 16 and 17 year olds from child sexual exploitation

This debate was opened by Mr Kit Malthouse, Conservative MP for North West Hampshire.

• Parliament TV: MPs debate protecting 16 and 17 year olds from child sexual exploitation
• Read Commons Hansard: MPs debate protecting 16 and 17 year olds from child sexual exploitation

Text of the Motion

'That this House notes the findings of The Children's Society's report entitled Old enough to know better? Which looked at the sexual exploitation of 16 and 17 year olds; further notes the particular vulnerability of that age group as they transition from childhood to adulthood and the role that aggravated offences and harsher sentences have in deterring crimes against 16 and 17 year olds; calls on the Government to clarify for prosecution and sentencing purposes the role drugs and alcohol, mental health problems, being in care and learning disabilities have in adding to the vulnerability of that age group; and further calls on the Government to give police the same tools to intervene when a 16 or 17 year old is being targeted and groomed for exploitation as they have younger children.'

Backbench Business Committee

The Backbench Business Committee meets weekly on Tuesdays to consider requests for debates from any backbench Members of Parliament on any subject.

The Committee then has to decide how to allocate the limited Parliamentary time it has at its disposal. The Committee's meetings are always conducted in public and can be watched on Parliament TV.

Further Information

• About Parliament: Select Committees
• How the Backbench Business Committee works

Image: Parliamentary Copyright