Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Whitby and Catherine Atkinson

Tuesday 19th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Catherine Atkinson]

I am grateful to the right hon. Member for raising this deeply distressing case. I pay tribute to Dr Birkett’s daughter for her courage in continuing to engage, which is truly commendable. He is right that the Parole Board is independent of Government. The Deputy Prime Minister’s application for reconsideration was not considered to have reached the threshold. He decided to seek permission not to set aside the Parole Board’s decision, but for judicial review of the decision, and that has been filed. I await the response, and hope that permission is granted, but I reassure the right hon. Member and Dr Birkett’s family that this Department will continue to seek to mitigate the hurt that they are feeling.

[John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)]

11. What steps his Department is taking to help prevent the criminalisation of children while in care.