UK criminalises keeping children abroad without consent
The United Kingdom has criminalised the detention of children abroad beyond an agreed period without the appropriate consent, introducing a new offence punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment. Read More: https://punchng.com/uk-criminalises-keeping-children-abroad-without-consent/
The UK government has passed a new law making it illegal to keep a child abroad without the consent of the other parent or a court, potentially leading to up to seven years in prison. This provision, introduced under section 137 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, amends the Child Abduction Act 1984 to address a gap in child abduction laws.
The new offence applies to any person connected with a child under 16 who detains the child outside the UK without consent, even if the child was initially taken abroad lawfully. The law was enacted following a 2012 High Court ruling that the previous legislation did not cover situations where a child was detained abroad beyond the agreed period after an initial lawful departure.
The Ministry of Justice's circular stated the amendment was intended to ensure consistent application of the law for both unlawful removal and wrongful detention abroad. Exceptions are made for parents listed in a child arrangements order or special guardians, provided they do not breach existing court orders. The new law is expected to complement existing civil remedies and Hague Convention proceedings rather than replace them.
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