Petition · past parliament
Support the rights of children to access Grandparents and wider family
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
Although they are greatly affected and often left scarred, children's views are not taken into account when the parent/s decide to end family contact. I now have no contact with my Grandson, who I know will be anxious, hurt, and confused by this. Give children a voice.
Grandchildren & Grandparents, as close blood relatives, should have automatic contact within the confines of safeguarding. We should consider a child centred approach where a child has enjoyed safe and regular contact. It is damaging & harmful to deny this, and results in the child's rights not being exercised (Ref: UN Convention article 12). Grandparents should not have to force contact via the courts. This is expensive & traumatic for all involved. We should follow the example set by France.
Why it was rejected
It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.
Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action.
We understand that you're concerned about contact between children and their grandparents. We're not sure what specific action you'd like the Government or Parliament to take.
You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do. For example, you could start a new petition asking Parliament or Government to change the law so that grandparents can apply for contact with their grandchildren without needing the leave of the court.
We understand that you're concerned about contact between children and their grandparents. We're not sure what specific action you'd like the Government or Parliament to take.
You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do. For example, you could start a new petition asking Parliament or Government to change the law so that grandparents can apply for contact with their grandchildren without needing the leave of the court.
Timeline
| 15 Sep 2017 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 21 Sep 2017 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
21 Sep 2017
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.