Following our recent request for members to write to their MPs about the recent changes to the laws in Spain round separation and the positive consequences for parents, one member received this encouraging reply from Olivia Bates, Labour MP for Sheffield Hallam.
Dear XXXX
Thank you for writing to share this research. (Spanish Shared Care research – Ed.)
I will keep it in consideration as I work on matters around supporting separated families.
I have long believed there are improvements that could be made both to the law and to court processes and I sympathise with anyone involved in difficult and emotional family law cases.
I recognise that divorce can have a profound effect on families, and on children in particular. Therefore, I believe it is important that the law does not force couples into an adversarial contest when a breakdown in a relationship occurs, but instead allows and encourages them to resolve matters in a constructive way. I also support the principle that, where possible, both parents should be involved in a child's life, unless that compromises the child's safety or welfare. As you say in in your letter, the child's best interests should always come first.
I am not aware of any further proposals to change the law around child arrangements for separated parents. However, I will look out for any relevant measures that may be brought forward on these issues in the next session of Parliament, and I will continue to consider the points you have raised.
Thank you once again for contacting me and for sharing your views.
Yours sincerely,
Olivia Blake MP
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