𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Labour wants to strengthen parenting orders, which currently mean parents can be compelled to address their children’s behaviour through counselling and guidance, or can lead to fines. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy is also reportedly proposing to give courts additional powers to jail parents who fail to comply with the orders. So what do you think? Should parents be jailed for crimes their kids commit? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section.

Ministers are proposing a series of reforms in the new Youth Justice White Paper published on Monday, aimed at preventing youngsters from starting a life of crime.

Mr Lammy, who is spearheading the changes, said: “Too many young people are being drawn into crime, with devastating consequences for victims, communities and their own futures.

“These reforms lay the foundation to intervene far earlier, support families, and tackle the drivers of offending so fewer young people become trapped in cycles of crime, creating safer streets and fewer victims.”

Other proposed changes include new youth intervention courts, bringing together judges and support services to tackle issues drawing young people into crime, and an annual £15.4 million investment in a scheme to help 12,000 children at risk of entering the youth justice system over the next three years.

Justice Minister Jake Richards said the plans will improve the youth justice system which is currently “not working”.

He said: “These reforms will modernise the system, keep pace with emerging risks and ensure young offenders get the support they need [to] turn their lives around, while improving public safety.”