Treatment of fathers in family court

That this House expresses serious concern at the operation of the family courts and the impact of proceedings on children and parents across the United Kingdom; notes the growing number of reports from constituents that fathers are being unfairly disadvantaged and treated as secondary parents within the family justice system; further notes concerns about delays, costs, inconsistent decision-making and the restriction of meaningful father-child contact without adequate justification; recognises that safeguarding must remain paramount where risk is evidenced; believes that fit and loving fathers should not be separated from their children due to institutional bias or structural disadvantages; and calls on the Government to undertake an urgent review of family court outcomes and processes to ensure equal treatment of fathers, transparency, and the protection of children’s right to maintain safe and meaningful relationships with both parents wherever possible.