The Crime and Policing Bill 2025 and Parental Child Abduction

This report challenges Clause 104 of the Crime and Policing Bill 2025 that is currently being considered by Parliament. The Clause extends the criminal sanctions for parental child abduction. It is argued that this provision will negatively and disproportionately impact women, undermine the 1980 Hague Convention and will not be in the best interests of children. Following a brief summary of the law relating to parental child abduction, the Government's position on this clause and why it was introduced is analysed. A conclusion is reached that the Clause should be omitted entirely from the Bill.