MP opposes scrapping outdoor pursuit laws
9:39am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News
A LIFTING of laws surrounding outdoor pursuits would be a “backwards step” and lead to fewer children taking part in adventure activities, a Bolton MP has claimed.
Bolton West MP Julie Hilling, pictured, 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.
But Ms Hilling 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.
Ms Hilling 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 confidencebuilding in young people; it’s important that they are protected.”
The original Bill was brought to Parliament by a former MP David Jamieson, following the death of four teenagers in the Lyme Bay canoeing tragedy in March 1993.
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 parliament.
