EALING North MP Stephen Pound is backing an NSPCC campaign to close a loophole that allows adults to have sex with teenagers they supervise.
Currently, it’s only people such as teachers, social workers and youth justice workers who are legally in a position of trust. That means it is a crime for them to have sex with the 16- or 17-year-olds they supervise.
Sports coaches, faith leaders, driving instructors and cadet leaders are some of the roles that are legally allowed to have sex with teenagers they look after.
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The NSPCC has warned this loophole leaves young people vulnerable to being groomed on the pitch, in places of worship, or other extra-curricular settings.
Its Close the Loophole campaign is calling for these laws to be extended to all adults with responsibility for young people.
The loophole is being reviewed by the Ministry of Justice after Stephen Pound and 30 others threw their weight behind the NSPCC’s calls.
Andrew Fellowes, NSPCC public affairs manager, said: “Most parents will probably be shocked that the adults they trust to supervise their teenagers can legally have sex with these children.”
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