Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether steps have been taken to improve the child protection regime in martial arts; and if he will make a statement.

On 1 March 2018 I announced the launch of a new Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts, to recognise clubs or providers who have reached and maintained excellent safeguarding standards. This new code will help empower parents and carers to make informed decisions when selecting a martial arts club or provider for their child. The Code was developed by Sport England through close consultation with representatives from martial arts governing bodies, the Child Protection in Sport Unit and those with years of expertise in safeguarding. Clubs and providers can pledge to work towards the Code now, with the Code becoming fully operational in the summer.