LIFE's vision for young adults finds voice in Parliament as new Sex and Relationships Education Council is launched

LIFE is thrilled to be a founding member of the new Sex and Relationships Council, launched in Parliament this week. This new umbrella body, representing value-based, parent-centred sex and relationships education (SRE) providers, will bring a much needed voice to policy discussions on the future of SRE in schools.

The Council has been formed to promote the best possible SRE both at home and at school, recognising the particular importance of enhancing the role played by parents in SRE. It is designed to improve connections between SRE providers - who have significant expertise and experience working at the sharp end of service provision - and parliamentarians, government and civil servants.

Dan Boucher who spoke at the launch said, ‘We are delighted to be launching the SRE Council today and look forward to working closely with the government in the context of its review of SRE as part of its broader review of PSHE. There is much work to be done both in relation to our high levels of teenage pregnancy and STIs.'

David Burrowes, MP for Enfield Southgate, who chaired the event said: ‘I am delighted to be involved in launching the Sex and Relationship Council. It embraces very significant expertise that the government can benefit from in the context of the current review and beyond. It is vital that we develop a more parent centred approach to SRE if we are to significantly erode our high levels of teenage pregnancy and STIs.'

At the meeting, attended by nine parliamentarians, a message was read on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, The Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP, welcoming the new initiative:

‘I'm so sorry I can't be with you at today's event but I hope you will accept my best wishes for a successful launch.  Nothing is more important than making sure children grow up confident, safe and healthy. 

And if we're to ensure that our schools do the best possible job in preparing children for adult life then parents have to be given a bigger voice and clearer say in our education system.  

As you will know the Conservatives ensured that the last Government was stopped from legislating to impose centralised state controls on sex and relationship education.  We ensured the Labour Government were stopped when they wanted to remove parents' right to remove children from inappropriate lessons.

We will continue to work with parents to ensure their rights and wishes are respected.  I look forward to working with you all in ensuring that the interests of families are put at the heart of our policies.'

The founding members of the Council, Evaluate, Lovewise, Challenge Teams, LIFE, Silver Ring Thing, Family Education Trust and Right to Life, look forward to working together to bring a new vision to relationships education in this country.