"A Vocie for the Voicelss" Children need Children's Commissioner - Says MP

12.00.00am GMT Mon 8th Sep 2003

Local MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Annette Brooke, today welcomed the news that the government will introduce a new position of "Children's commissioner" in England.

The delayed Children's Green paper, to be published later today, will introduce new measures to protect children at risk by recommending better coordination between children's social services and other agencies safeguarding child protection.

Commenting on this news, Annette Brooke said:

"I welcome wholeheartedly news that the Government has accepted the need for a Children's Commissioner for England. It is good news for our most at risk children that their voices will be heard, and their special needs better recognised."

"When 1 or 2 children are killed each week by their parents or relatives, and over hundreds of thousands estimated to be living in vulnerable conditions, it is vital that we introduce new legislation to tighten up child protection practices in this country."

"Up until now, the Government ignored messages from the UN, the EU and the Commons Joint Committee on Human Rights on the need for a Commissioner for Children to protect their fundamental rights. The delay in appointing a Children's Commissioner has put the lives of the most vulnerable children in society at risk."

In Parliament, Mrs. Brooke has supported calls for an independent children's commissioner and for the new Green Paper for Children by signing Early Day Motions 1456 and 1542. She is also a member of the All Party Group on Children which has long campaigned for children to have their own voice.