where can I find Harriet Harmans speech about the family courts?

Question

July 11th 2006

Answer 1

Why on earth would anyone want to read anything that the lady has wriiten. Left wing - anti-male.

Answer 2

Ms Harman was on the TV programme This Morning yesterday talking about the family courts. One parent was critical saying that she was no allowed to speak to the magistrates, neither are the social workers. All of the evidence is in written form, and the parents have the right to make a statement in response to and to challenge the evidence placed before the court. All parties are represented by solicitors, and if needs be barristers. In child care proceedings, the child has a guardian (independent of social services) appointed by the court to look after the interests of the child, and the child has their own solicitor. It is not all down to social services if the child/ren are not returned to their families. I do agree that the system needs to be more transparent, and that grandparents should be allowed to have a say, but the legislation that is in place, The Children Act 1989 does not allow this.
Please bear this in mind when you read Ms Harmen's speech.

I apologise if you are aware of the above, but I am fed up with being criticised for the job of work that I do and not having the right to reply.

Answer 3

The speech she gave on this subject on May 22nd 2006 can be found at http://www.dca.gov.uk/speeches/2006/sp060522_02.htm