Couples urge High Court to overturn Hodge’s ban on Cambodian adoptions

Six couples have this week taken Margaret Hodge’s decision
to suspend the adoption of Cambodian children by UK residents to
the High Court, writes Clare Jerrom.

In June last year, the children’s minister imposed a
temporary but indefinite suspension on adopting children from the
south-east Asian state.

The decision came amidst concerns about an “endemic
problem of child trafficking”. But the six couples felt
bitterly disappointed as they were in the advanced stages of having
their adoption applications approved.

Their counsel Helen Mountfield is urging Mr Justice Munby to
overturn the ban claiming Hodge’s decision was
“irrational and unfair”.

The hearing continues.