Local MP backs Jade's Law

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami has met with Jade’s Law campaigners to help take things forward in Parliament.

The Jade’s Law campaign aims to change the law so that the parental responsibility of a parent who kills the other parent is automatically suspended. At the moment, parental responsibility remains in place, and the family or guardians of the children must consult that parent on decisions including health, education and travel. 

The campaign has been started by the family of Jade Ward, who must consult with their daughter’s killer, her estranged husband and the father of her children Russel Marsh, on decisions regarding the children. 

“Imagine how traumatic it must be for Jade’s family to sit through regular family court hearings with the man who killed their daughter,” said Mark Tami MP. 

“Every time they go on holiday or there’s a medical crisis with the children, effectively the father has the right to veto it. 

“Currently the onus is on the family to prove why his parental responsibility should be revoked, whereas Jade’s Law calls for parental responsibility to be automatically suspended in circumstances such as these. 

“This is only right, and I will support Jade’s family and friends every step of the way.” 

Jade lived in Chevrons Road, Shotton, and many of her family and friends live nearby. Earlier this month Mark Tami met with Edwin Duggan, a law graduate who lives on the street and is helping Jade’s mum Karen Robinson with the campaign. 

After their meeting, Mark has written to the Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab, calling on him to support Jade’s Law. 

He has also booked a room in Westminster Hall to meet Jade’s family and friends in Parliament on 8^th June. A member of the Shadow Justice Ministry will be in attendance to discuss ways of helping to push Jade’s Law forward. 

Edwin said: “Mark understands what we’re trying to do and we’re looking forward to meeting him again in the House of Commons in June. 

“It’s not right that the onus should be to prove why the parent shouldn’t have responsibility. Parental responsibility should be automatically suspended, with the onus on the perpetrator to prove why they should have parental responsibility.”

Pictured - Edwin Duggan and Mark Tami MP.