UK Criminalises Keeping Children Abroad Beyond Agreed Period
The United Kingdom has implemented a new law criminalising the act of keeping children outside the country for more than the agreed period without the necessary consent. The law, which took effect on November 6, 2026, aims to address cases where children are taken or sent abroad and parents or other individuals refuse to bring the child back to the UK.
New Provisions in the Crime and Policing Act 2026
The new provision, contained in Section 137 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, extends the legal framework to cover cases where children are taken or sent out of the UK and kept abroad beyond the agreed period without consent.
Consent Required for Prosecution
To prosecute someone for breaking the new law, the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions is required.
Domestic Abuse Exemptions
The UK government clarified that most cases of international child abduction, including those under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, will continue to be handled through civil proceedings.
Equality Impact Assessment
As part of the Equality Impact Assessment, the UK government stated that the new law aims to protect children and safeguard their rights, while ensuring that the law does not disproportionately affect victims of domestic abuse.
UK Government's Statement
The UK government issued a statement explaining that the new law is aimed at protecting children and safeguarding their rights, while ensuring that the law does not disproportionately affect victims of domestic abuse.
Child Abduction Cases
The law will apply to cases where children are taken or sent out of the UK and kept abroad beyond the agreed period without permission.
International Child Abduction Cases
The new law will cover cases of international child abduction, including those under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
Domestic Abuse Exemptions
The UK government confirmed that the new law will not disproportionately affect victims of domestic abuse, as part of the Equality Impact Assessment.
UK Government's Equality Impact Assessment
The UK government conducted an Equality Impact Assessment, which showed that the new law aims to protect children and safeguard their rights, while ensuring that the law does not disproportionately impact victims of domestic abuse.
Criminal Penalties
The UK government stated that those convicted of breaching this law will face a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
UK Government's Statement on Criminal Penalties
The UK government issued a statement confirming that those found guilty of violating the law will be subject to a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
Civil Proceedings
The new law applies to cases of international child abduction, including those under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
UK Government's Explanation of Applicable Cases
The UK government clarified that the new law will cover cases of international child abduction, including those governed by the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
Domestic Abuse Exemptions
The UK government assured that the new law will not disproportionately impact victims of domestic abuse, as part of the Equality Impact Assessment.
UK Government's Statement on Equality Impact Assessment
The UK government issued a statement outlining that the new law will not disproportionately affect victims of domestic abuse, as part of the Equality Impact Assessment.
International Child Abduction
The new law applies to cases of international child abduction, including those governed by the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
UK Government's Explanation of Applicable Cases
The UK government explained that the new law will cover cases of international child abduction, including those governed by the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
Maximum Penalty
The UK government clarified that individuals found guilty of violating the law will face a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
UK Government's Clarification on Penalty
The UK government provided clarification on the penalty for violating the
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
