Family Law Backlash Over MP's Comments

A row has erupted as family lawyers countrywide are slamming comments made by an MP over cases of families suspected of child abuse.  As Liberal Democrat, John Hemming branded family court hearings 'unfair' he urged families who are facing such cases to flee the country rather than face justice here in the UK.

Mr Hemmings, who is Chair of the Justice For Families Group made the comments after hearing from hundreds of desperate families who believe they are being unfairly accused of abusing their children and don't believe they will receive a fair day in the family courts.

The controversial argument has been condemned by family lawyers one of whom has branded the MP's advice as 'irresponsible and dangerous'.  This comes as figures show that in 2012 a soaring 10, 2018 applications were made by the local authority to remove children from their parents, widely thought to be a knee-jerk reaction to cases of neglect leading to high-profile child deaths.

In an interview with BBC TV's Panorama, Mr Hemmings commented 'the system has become so unfair that parents should leave the country to avoid getting caught up in the process.'  He went on to add 'All the cards are held by the local authority.  It has large resources to fight the cases – it does all the assessments.'

As criticism over the interview continues to rumble, local authorities defend their duty to protect the child at risk and the MP actively encourages families who find themselves in a desperate situation to seek a fair trial abroad if they can find a way to do this lawfully. 

Call 0845 603 0708 or email our Family Law specialists via answers@nationalsolicitors.com to discuss confidential matters in greater detail.

Bolton Family Solicitors