Westminster Hall debateWestminster HallWednesday, 10 June 202611:00

Consideration of children in child contact arrangements

Backbench debate (separate chamber, no votes)

This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Labour MP Alison Hume, examines how children's interests and welfare are considered in family court arrangements following parental separation or divorce. The debate will explore current practice in child contact cases—arrangements determining where children live and how much time they spend with each parent—and whether the system adequately prioritises children's voice, safety, and wellbeing in reaching decisions.

Child contact arrangements affect hundreds of thousands of families annually and shape childhood experience during family breakdown. The debate reflects growing concern about whether family courts sufficiently centre children's own preferences and protect them from harm in these decisions, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse or parental conflict. Improved practice could reduce trauma for vulnerable children.

Social Care

MPs most likely to speak

Alison HumeLabour Party

Scarborough and Whitby

Debate sponsor/lead member (calendar Members field)Voting record

Karin SmythLabour Party

Bristol South

Minister of State — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on social-care (61 times, 40pts); Known positions: social-care: supportive (10pts)Voting record

Stephen KinnockLabour Party

Aberafan Maesteg

Minister of State — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on social-care (96 times, 40pts); Known positions: social-care: supportive (10pts)Voting record

Rachel TaylorLabour Party

North Warwickshire and Bedworth

Spoken on social-care (44 times, 40pts); Known positions: social-care: questioning (10pts); Committee: women and equalities committee (20pts)Voting record

Christine JardineLiberal Democrats

Edinburgh West

Spoken on social-care (60 times, 40pts); Known positions: social-care: supportive, social-care: neutral (20pts); Committee: women and equalities committee (20pts)Voting record

Consideration of children in child contact arrangements

MPs most likely to speak

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