Petitions/Review and revise age of consent in light of advances in science
StatusOngoing
Opened19 Mar 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

In light of scientific evidence, showing the human brain (prefrontal cortex) is not fully developed until between 21-30, l am asking the UK Government to review & revise the law to protect to our vulnerable children from emotional, physical, and mental harm.

Currently UK law allows adults to engage in sexual activity with a child of 16 upwards, including adults of 20, 30, 50 and 60. Scientific evidence shows the prefrontal cortex (the decision making part of the brain) isn't fully developed. 16-year-olds are still learning grasping life-long decisions and consequences. This leaves them vulnerable to manipulation, sexual exploitation, unwanted pregnancies, STDs and spiritual harm. The consequences of the harms of this are real and can have lifelong effects.

10,000
100,000

Constituency engagement ranking

Mrs Elsie Blundell
1Mrs Elsie Blundell MP
Heywood and Middleton North
4
Daniel Francis
2Daniel Francis MP
Bexleyheath and Crayford
1
Graham Stringer
3Graham Stringer MP
Blackley and Middleton South
1
Ruth Cadbury
4Ruth Cadbury MP
Brentford and Isleworth
1
Christian Wakeford
5Christian Wakeford MP
Bury South
1
Dr Peter Prinsley
6Dr Peter Prinsley MP
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
1
Sarah Gibson
7Sarah Gibson MP
Chippenham
1
Pam Cox
8Pam Cox MP
Colchester
1
Catherine Atkinson
9Catherine Atkinson MP
Derby North
1
Alex Mayer
10Alex Mayer MP
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
1