New law protects children

A POWER to allow senior police or council officers to temporarily close premises where they suspect children are being sexually exploited is to become law.

The measure is a victory for Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner and the leader of Rochdale Council after they campaigned to have it introduced.

The Government initially rejected the plea, but had a change of heart after Baroness Smith of Basildon introduced an amendment to the bill in the House of Lords.

Now that the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act has received royal assent, the measure will become law.

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “This is a simple measure, but it’s a powerful additional tool that police and local authorities will be able to use to help keep children safe.

“I’m glad the Government finally listened to us and saw the real value in having this practical and proportionate tool.

“Ultimately, it will disrupt the activities of people who want to abuse children. It’s not the silver bullet for us to solve the problem of child sexual exploitation, but it’s going to be invaluable for people on the ground who are working hard to keep our young people safe.

“I’d like to thank Angela Smith as without her intervention the Government would not have included this measure in the act.”