MPs to debate children and bereavement

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 2 December)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
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Kevin Bonavia MP, a Member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

Record the number of bereaved children to ensure they are supported

The petition, which has more than 11,000 signatures, states: "Aged 12, I experienced my dad’s murder. I received no help until my 20s. Recording the number of children in the household when a death is registered, could help thousands of bereaved children and ensure services can better plan, reach out to families and offer much needed support."

In its response to the petition, provided on 12 October 2023, the Government said: "Losing a loved one is an awful experience, particularly for children. It is not appropriate for a death registration to include the name of any dependent child, but support is available for children."

Add content on death, dying and bereavement to the national curriculum

The petition, which has more than 11,000 signatures, states: "Schools should be required to provide age-appropriate education to help children understand death as a part of life, as part of compulsory Relationships education. On average 111 children in the UK lose a parent every day."

In its response to the petition, provided on 13 March 2023, the Government said: "Bereavement can be taught about as part of relationships and health education in an age-appropriate way. When we review the statutory guidance, we will assess whether content on bereavement is needed."

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

Further information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

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