An MP has called for grandparents to be given greater child adoption rights.

Labour's Llin Golding made the plea during the successful second reading of the Adoption and Children's Bill in the House of Commons.

She called for the Bill to include stronger guidelines on adoption by grandparents and aunts and uncles who could prevent children going into care.

The North Staffordshire MP said grandparents had no rights to adopt children from their own family and the new legislation should be used to tackle the problem and ensure they had access to instant financial help.

Mrs Golding said the legislation would provide a "strong and clear basis" on which to consider a stable future for the most needy children.

She added: "Only those children who, for whatever reason, are no longer able to live with their parents can know the feelings of hurt, rejection and bewilderment of being placed in care.

"To be adopted, to be wanted, can give them a second chance in their young lives and a real sense of their own worth."

See also

New Bill clears the first hurdle

NORCAP condemns Adoption Bill

Adoption Bill pledges support

Used courtesy of The Sentinel, Stoke