---

Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

Throughout all our discussions on the Bill we have focused on the responsibilities of those in the children’s workforce and the local authorities when family life breaks down and a child is taken into care. However, there is a gap, which I am very pleased to see that the noble Lord, Lord Northbourne, is trying to fill. That is why I was happy to put my name to the amendment. There is no statutory description of the responsibilities of parenthood. Understanding those responsibilities and having them enshrined in law lays down an important standard. It allows for a framework to appreciate situations where a relationship may have ended, but responsibilities to the child have not. So, as I said, we are very happy to support the amendment.