Stormont’s Finance Minister John O’Dowd has instructed officials to begin ‘detailed policy development including provisions similar in effect to Jade’s Law’.
Jade’s Law was introduced in England and Wales in 2024. The legislation restricts the parental rights of a parent who kills the other parent. It was introduced after the murder of Jade Ward in 2021, who was murdered by her partner. He retained parental responsibility of their children, meaning he had to be consulted on decisions affecting their lives.
O’Dowd has said a Bill will ‘be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate’ that will introduce similar measures here.
In a statement, he said: “I am very conscious of the devastating and life‑long impact that such circumstances have on children and on their wider families, the seriousness of these cases, and the additional trauma caused when parental responsibility continues to rest with the offender.
“I have instructed my officials to initiate detailed policy development now including provisions similar in effect to Jade’s Law, as part of a wider reform of parental responsibility and family law reforms.
“While Jade’s law is on the statute books in Britain, it has not yet been enacted due to the complexities of the process. We can and will learn from there and elsewhere.
“This approach will allow us to develop robust legislation that properly reflects our own legal system and will ultimately provide stronger protections for children and families affected by the most serious crimes.
“I am committed to legislating to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people here. Undertaking this important work and developing this legislation will enable a Bill to be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate.”
An online petition campaigning for Jade’s Law to be introduced in Northern Ireland has reached over 12,000 signatures in just over two weeks.
A key figure in the implementation of Jade’s Law in England and Wales, Edwin Duggan, was at the Guildhall in Derry earlier this month, when he urged MLAs to introduce an equivalent here.
In a speech at the event, he said: “Northern Ireland is, statistically, one of the most dangerous places for women in Europe. Recent reporting shows that more than 30 women have been killed since 2020.”
DUP MLAs Julie Middleton and Diane Forsythe have welcomed the update from the Finance Minister.
Mrs Middleton said: “When campaigners came to Londonderry following the tragic murder of Amy Doherty, I was determined to meet them and hear directly why Jade’s Law matters so much to families who have already suffered unimaginable loss.
“No family should have to continue battling the legal system while grieving the murder of a loved one. The idea that someone convicted of murdering their partner could still retain parental responsibility is simply wrong.
“This announcement is a welcome step forward and shows that the voices of campaigners and families have been heard. We need legislation in Northern Ireland that gives proper protection and peace of mind to those left behind.”
