Mum ‘keeps promise’ to killed sons over law change
Claire Throssell says she has kept her promise to her sons, Jack and Paul, after MPs backed a change to the rules on parental contact. The proposed law removes the presumption that children benefit from contact with both parents, putting their safety and best interests first.
Jack, 12, and Paul, nine, died in a house fire started by their father in 2014, after he was granted five hours of weekly contact despite threats reported by their mother. The Courts and Tribunals Bill passed its final Commons stages by 301 votes to 193 and now goes to the House of Lords for scrutiny. Throssell campaigned for 12 years for the change, which supporters say could shift family court culture and ensure children’s welfare is central to contact decisions.
- MPs backed removing the presumption of parental involvement.
- The bill passed the Commons by 301 votes to 193.
- The proposal now goes to the House of Lords.
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Family courts can make decisions about when a child sees each parent after a separation. Until now, the law has presumed that a child’s involvement with both parents will usually be beneficial, while allowing courts to consider risks and the child’s welfare.
Claire Throssell’s sons, Jack and Paul, died in 2014 in a fire started by their father during court-ordered contact. Throssell had reported threats and campaigned for changes to the law. MPs have backed removing the presumption, so children’s safety and best interests are central to decisions about contact.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a presumption of contact can put pressure on courts to maintain parental access even where there are credible safety concerns. Making children’s welfare and individual circumstances the starting point could help prevent harm and give judges clearer scope to restrict contact when needed.
The case against
Critics may argue that removing the presumption risks making children’s relationships with both parents less protected, especially when allegations are disputed or evidence is incomplete. A presumption of contact can serve as a reminder that children often benefit from a relationship with each parent, while leaving courts able to limit contact where safety concerns are established.