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Child Risk Disclosure Scheme
14 October 2025
Lead MP
Liz Twist
Blaydon and Consett
Lab
Responding Minister
Josh MacAlister
Tags
Safeguarding & DBS
Word Count: 3991
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Liz Twist raised concerns about child risk disclosure scheme in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Calls for a child risk disclosure scheme, mandatory multi-agency safeguarding protocols, and new powers for professionals to intervene in cases of non-sexual abuse.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The case of Maya Chappell highlights the failure to protect children from non-sexual abuse. Despite early red flags such as missed health visits, drug use, and controlling relationships, statutory services were not engaged until it was too late.
Carolyn Harris
Lab
Chippenham
Chaired the debate on child safeguarding practices.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Supports the need for a child risk disclosure scheme and highlights the importance of protecting children who cannot speak for themselves.
Helen Grant
Con
Maidstone and Malling
Brought up Tony Hudgell's case to illustrate gaps in monitoring after release from prison, supporting the call for a child cruelty register.
Josh MacAlister
Lab
Greenwich and Woolwich
Responded positively to Liz Twist's request for a meeting.
Liz Twist
Lab
Croydon Central
Asked the Minister to meet her and explain where they think there are gaps in the legislation.
Mary Kelly Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Stressed the importance of ensuring statutory agencies work together effectively and supported the family’s campaign for information disclosure about wider caregivers.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Supported the campaign, expressing concern over whether guidelines were incorrectly followed in Maya’s case and highlighting the need for a new law.
Government Response
Josh MacAlister
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education
Government Response
Commended Liz Twist for her speech and acknowledged the importance of improving multi-agency working to protect children. Recognised steps taken with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, including a duty on certain agencies to disclose information relevant to safeguarding. Outlined significant changes including an overhaul of children’s social care, over £2 billion investment, the introduction of a duty to share information to safeguard and promote welfare, a single unique identifier for children, families first partnership programme, new multi-agency child protection teams, and police representatives in child protection teams.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.