Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when Schedule a) 137 and b) 138 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 will commence.

Section 137 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which creates a new criminal offence that applies in England and Wales, of retaining a child abroad without consent, will be commenced by regulations as soon as reasonably practicable. We must ensure sufficient time to consider and manage impacts on the criminal justice system and for law enforcement to update guidance and provide appropriate training.

Section 138 of the Act, which creates a similar offence in Northern Ireland, will come into force on a day specified by order by the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland.