Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to review the scope of individuals covered by the position of trust terms of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to include (a) youth workers, (b) sports coaches and (c) ministers of religion.

The protection of children remains a priority for this Government.

My officials are currently considering proposals being developed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to extend the definition of a ‘position of trust’ in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to include “sports coaches”.

We currently have no plans to extend the definitions to include youth workers or ministers of religion, but we keep this important area of the law under regular review.