Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress she has made on the commitment to introduce new legal safeguards around strip-searching children and young people; and what the timeline is for the implementation of these safeguards.

Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. The Government has been clear that, where these powers are used, they must be exercised lawfully, proportionately and with proper regard for the welfare and dignity of children and young people.

We are taking forward work on a package of reforms to strengthen the safeguards that apply to strip searching children and young people, including measures intended to improve accountability and oversight, and to support greater clarity and consistency in the use of these powers.

This work is being considered carefully alongside wider reforms relating to strip search, informed by evidence and engagement with key stakeholders, to ensure a more child-centred approach in practice. The Government remains committed to strengthening the framework in this area and we will set out further details in due course.