§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional steps are being taken to protect children and adults with learning disabilities from sexual abuse; and if he will make a statement. [35545]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyTackling sexual offending is a top priority for this Government and we intend to ensure that the legislative framework enables firm action to be taken against those who abuse others.
One of the key themes of the Sex Offences Review is the protection of children and vulnerable people. The independent review body recommended new offences to 916W protect the more vulnerable members of our society. including those with learning disabilities, and a new scale of penalties. We are actively considering all of the recommendations in the consultation document on reforming the law on sex offences, 'Setting the Boundaries', in the light of over 700 responses received during the consultation period. We intend to legislate as soon as parliamentary time allows.