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.

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

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.