Leader readers are being asked to have their say on parental responsibility law.
Edwin Duggan, who is conducting research for his masters in Policing, Forensics and Law at Staffordshire University, has been working with the family of Flintshire mum Jade Ward - who was brutally killed by her estranged husband Russell Marsh in August 2021 - to bring about a change in the law.
Since Marsh was sentenced, Jade's family and friends have been campaigning to automatically suspend the parental responsibility of a parent who kills the other one.
Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami presented a petition to colleagues and Minister of State for Victims and Sentencing Edward Argar MP at Westminster Hall last year.
READ MORE: Family vows to 'keep pressure on' after Jade's Law parental responsibility debate
And although the Minister did not commit to implementing the demands of the Jade’s Law campaign, he did offer an "olive branch" of sorts, in the form of a future meeting between himself, Mr Tami and Lord Bellamy KC in order to further discuss how the Government can best deliver on their commitment to safeguard children.
Mr Duggan has since been working closely with Parliamentary officials with the aim to overhaul the current legislation surrounding parental responsibility (PR), in the hope that there will be a creation of a Parental Responsibility Act (which will include Jade's Law).
He said: "This is completely autonomous of the Jade's Law Campaign; it is a direct consequence of it - as during the initial campaign, I found that the existing legislation just does not cover PR adequately for the purposes of the 21st century.
READ MORE: MPs have their say on Jade's Law petition
"I have created a short questionnaire in order to gauge public opinion and assist me with the complete Act, and would appreciate further input from Leader readers.
"The form also includes a space where individuals can also ask for specific issues to be addressed and/or inclusions to be made in any final Parental Responsibility Act enacted by royal ascent.
"Readers can also contact me directly with issues they feel that should be included in any Act that might be created concerning Parental Responsibility on: edwin.duggan@gmail.com."
To complete the questionnaire, click here.
Speaking to Leader readers, he added: "The creation of the Parental Responsibility Act will have an impact on generations to come.
"It will provide protection for both the parent and child in ways which current legislation does not currently provide for in its present form.
"Your views are so very important as they could potentially provide the framework on which an Act of Parliament which protects the rights of both parent and child will be formed."
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