MP worries over legislation (From Leigh Journal)
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Atherton MP against school outdoor adventure changes
8:50am Sunday 19th February 2012 in News
A LOCAL MP is campaigning to halt government changes to activities legislation.
Ministers intend to repeal the Adventure Activities Licensing Act and replace it with a voluntary code of practice.
The original Bill was brought to Parliament by a former MP David Jamieson, following the tragic death of four teenagers in the Lyme Bay canoeing tragedy in March 1993.
But Atherton MP Julie Hilling, who represents Bolton West, fears these changes will affect outdoor education as many schools and parents will not be willing to rely on a voluntary code to police this sector. She believes this will mean fewer children will take part in outdoor education.
Councillors and MPs have launched a petition on the No.10 web site, in the hope that if they can gain 100,000 signatures the Government will be forced to re-think its plans and debate this in the House of Commons.
Ms Hilling has contacted schools in her constituency to ask for their views about how a potential change in the law would affect them.
She said: “I firmly believe that licensing is necessary to protect lives and that the removal of this legislation would be a backwards step. I urge Ministers to rethink their proposals. Outdoor education can really enhance confidence-building in young people; it’s important that they are protected and that parents and teachers trust the providers of these pursuits.”
To find out more about the petition and to sign, visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/2481
