Child Criminal Exploitation Bill

A Bill to create an offence of child criminal exploitation; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Parliament last updated

30 April 2026

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would create a new offence of child criminal exploitation, making it illegal for someone to involve a child in criminal activity. It also sets out related offences and other measures to safeguard children and enable enforcement. The aim is to better protect children from being drawn into crime and to hold exploiters to account.

Key Points

Creates a new offence of child criminal exploitation.
Applies to adults or others who involve or use a child to commit crime.
Includes connected offences and safeguarding/enforcement measures.
Aims to help police and prosecutors tackle child exploitation more effectively.
Currently at the Second Reading stage in the House of Commons (first reading in October 2024).

Progress

The bill is at the Second Reading in the House of Commons after its initial introduction in October 2024. It has begun its legislative journey and will move through further stages if supported.

Who is affected?

Children who could be exploited or harmedFamilies and carers of vulnerable childrenAdults and others who exploit or could exploit childrenPolice, prosecutors and courtsLocal authorities and safeguarding professionals (e.g., social workers, teachers, youth workers)Schools and community organisations

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

21 Oct 2024

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Child Criminal Exploitation Bill

24 Oct 2024

The 2024-2026 session of Parliament has come to an end so the House of Commons is now prorogued until the next session begins on 13 May 2026. Prorogation is the formal end to the parliamentary year.

This Bill will therefore make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.