Confusion surrounds new ‘Megan’s law’

Parents may still be given the right to know if sex offenders live locally, a Home Office spokeswoman said today.

Confusion surrounds the introduction of a pilot scheme similar to Megan’s law that will run in north east Somerset, with many media reports today that it is to be scrapped or watered down. The idea was attacked by children’s charities yesterday.

A Home Office spokeswoman said discussions are still underway about how best to protect children and plans will be announced in May.

She added:
“The home secretary commissioned the child sex offender review last year and there continues to be discussion within government.

“Under the existing public protection legislation, a limited form of disclosure already exists, and the review is looking at how best to focus the impact of any extension to this important principle.

“Already the number of sex offenders in a local police area are detailed in the multi-agency public protection arrangements annual reports, published for the first time last year. Furthermore all head teachers have been informed of the location of approved premises if child sex offenders are housed there.”

Full Home Office statement

What the papers say about ‘Megan’s law’
The Times: Parents denied ‘Megan’s law’information on paedophiles

The Guardian: Home Office disowns plan for UK version of Megan’s law

The Independent: Ministers rule out emulating America’s hardline ‘Megan’s law’

Daily Telegraph: Reid’s paedophile law fails the reality test

BBC News: Review says no to UK Megan’s law

The Sun: Do you want Sarah’s law?

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