Long-awaited legislative changes aimed at protecting children from exploitation in illegal drug trade have been introduced in England and Wales. The initiative, announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, seeks to combat the growing prevalence of county lines criminal operations, where organised gangs recruit minors to distribute drugs across regional borders.

Under the new measures, individuals found guilty of using a child for criminal activities may face sentences of up to ten years in prison. This legislation comes in response to a series of increasing concerns regarding the exploitation of vulnerable children, articulated by various stakeholders, including former children’s commissioner Anne Longfield, who stated that the brutal commercial exploitation of young people had proliferated unchecked.

Cooper emphasised the government’s commitment to eradicating the “sickening” use of vulnerable individuals for criminal gain. She explained that the new law will specifically classify the use of children in illegal acts as a criminal offence. Additionally, the introduction of child criminal exploitation prevention orders aims to restrict the movements and activities of those suspected of grooming or exploiting minors. Violations of these orders could lead to a five-year prison sentence.

The legislation responds to tragic incidents, including the death of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, who was reportedly groomed by gangs from the age of six and subsequently stabbed in January. Kelyan’s mother brought attention to the issue following her son’s death. This narrative has underscored the urgent need for targeted legal frameworks.

In conjunction with these efforts, the Home Office has addressed the practice of ‘cuckooing’, where organised criminals take over the homes of vulnerable individuals to conduct illegal activities. This act will also be designated as a specific offence, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment. Jess Phillips, the Home Office safeguarding minister, referred to cuckooing as a particularly harmful form of exploitation that not only endangers victims but also perpetuates violent drug-related crimes.

The proposed legislation has garnered support from charities and advocacy groups who have been calling for reform for years. Mark Russell, chief executive at The Children’s Society, remarked that this standalone crime could redirect focus towards the perpetrators rather than the victims, which is crucial as approximately 14,500 children were identified as being at risk of criminal exploitation in the past year alone. He stated, “This is how we break cycles of harm: punish the exploiters, prioritise the victims, and put child safety first.”

Commentators, including current children’s commissioner Rachel de Souza, have noted how the new law presents an opportunity for greater clarity in addressing the exploitation of children, which has been overlooked in prior efforts.

A source from the Home Office indicated that while the law asserts that children cannot consent to their exploitation, it does not alter the age of criminal responsibility. As such, decisions regarding potential charges against minors will be left to police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

A disturbing account of a young person’s descent into the drug trade illustrates the far-reaching implications of the criminal environment. Jay, whose name has been changed for privacy, shared how a promising future in college spiralled into drug dealing under pressure from gang leaders. His story highlights the systemic issues surrounding the exploitation of youth and underscores the importance of social support systems.

The Government’s crime and policing bill is set to be introduced in parliament next week, with proponents asserting that it marks a crucial step forward in safeguarding vulnerable children and dismantling the networks of exploitation that have emerged within society.

Source: Noah Wire Services