‘Unjust’ grooming ‘child prostitution’ convictions to be pardoned
Home Office to automatically pardon ‘unjust child prostitution’ convictions
![Child prostitution convictions will be automatically pardoned [file image]](https://static.the-independent.com/2025/07/03/14/09/GettyImages-454599688.jpeg)
- The UK government has introduced new measures to automatically disregard and pardon child prostitution convictions, addressing years of "appalling injustice".
- Victims convicted or cautioned for loitering and soliciting offences while under 18 will have these records removed, applying to cases before child prostitution was abolished from legislation in 2015.
- The Home Office acknowledged that these individuals were "criminalised for actions that occurred under duress, fear and coercion" instead of receiving support.
- Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips, stated the amendments aim to correct past failures and provide compassion and support to victims of child sexual exploitation.
- While welcomed by organisations like NAPAC, the Centre for Women’s Justice urged the government to extend the scheme to those aged 18 and over and decriminalise loitering/soliciting entirely.