Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and (b) the Home Secretary on the extending the definition of a position of trust to include (i) sports coaches, (ii) youth leaders and (iii) religious leaders; and if he will make a statement.

The protection of children remains a priority for this Government and we keep this important area of the law under review.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is currently developing proposals to extend the definition of a ‘position of trust’ in the Sexual Offences Act 2003, to bring into that definition sports coaches who hold a position of trust in relation to a child aged 16 or 17 under their care. We will consider these further with them once developed.

Although I have not yet had any discussions with the Home Secretary on this matter directly, given my recent appointment.