Today I called for reform of the family justice system in a debate she organised in Parliament.
The debate was packed with members of the public watching from the public viewing galleries, with ques of people waiting for a space.
MPs from all parties spoke, and covered issues around:
- the breach of child arrangement orders – which determine how much contact non-resident parents have with their children upon divorce;
- the need for courts to adopt the principle of shared parenting so children can have a meaningful relationship with both parents;
- the need for no-fault divorce;
- greater rights for cohabiting couples, and;
- scrapping financial remedies.
Today’s debate was an excellent opportunity for MPs to take part in a constructive discussion on how we can really continue the work of the Government in making our family justice system fairer for all.
It covered a wide-range of issues, from the enforcement of child arrangement to no-fault divorce and rights for cohabiting couples and members from all parties made considered contributions on the future of the family justice system, there is clear cross party support for reform.
I am thankful to all the MPs who spoke and I will continue to work with the Government and colleagues from across the House to campaign for change.
Earlier this year I introduced a Family Justice Bill in Parliament, which set out how the system can be made fairer.