Christian safeguarding charity CCPAS has backed a call for the EU Withdrawal Bill to consider the impact of Brexit on the rights, safety and welfare of children

A new report by UK charity Children England urged the Government to put the best interests of children first during Brexit negotiations.

This report proposed two key amendments for debate in later stages of the Bill:

1. Protection and promotion of children's rights
2. Ensuring that cross-border mechanisms are in place to safeguard children and ensuring adequate structural funding to address inequalities

As the deadline for third reading of the Withdrawal Bill looms, CCPAS said special attention should be placed on the second part of the report which deals with the complex nature of crimes affecting children that have international elements.

In light of the report, CCPAS said child trafficking and child exploitation taking place both online and offline needs continued cooperation between the UK and European agencies, such as Europol, after Brexit.

Justin Humphreys, Executive Director of Safeguarding at CCPAS said: "We believe that the UK church needs to play a role in ensuring high quality safeguarding continues for children and adults who may be vulnerable or at risk." 

"There are many considerations involved in the negotiations to exit the EU, but we must ensure that the needs and rights of some of the most vulnerable in our society are not forgotten or pushed to the bottom of the pile."

The report has support from a range of organisations including Christian charity The Children's Society.