Letter to the House of Lords
The Lord Speaker
House of Lords
London SW1A 0PW
Date: 30 March 2026
Subject: Support for Urgent Reform of Sentencing Laws for Sex Offenders and Crimes Against Children – Proposal for the Introduction of “Carl’s Law”
My Lords,
I write to place before this House the combined substance of two key submissions concerning the protection of children from sexual offences and other forms of exploitation and abuse. These documents urge a fundamental strengthening of our sentencing framework and the introduction of targeted legislation named Carl’s Law.
1. Opening Statement for Debate (House of Lords Motion)
The first document presents an opening statement in support of a motion calling for urgent reform of sentencing laws for sex offenders, with particular reference to offences against children. It argues that our legal system must better reflect the biblical and moral imperative to protect the innocent.
The statement draws on Scripture to emphasise the innocence of children and the grave wrong of shedding “innocent blood”:
Jeremiah 2:34 – the blood of the “poor innocents” staining the guilty.
Jeremiah 19:4 and 2 Kings 21:6 – the defilement of the land through child sacrifice and idolatry.
Psalm 106:38 – “They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters… and the land was desecrated by their blood.”
It asserts that children are blameless until they reach an age of moral accountability and must not be preyed upon. The current sentencing regime is said to fail in providing robust protection, necessitating “pointed, decisive change.”
The statement acknowledges Ministry of Justice Proven Reoffending Statistics (January–March 2024 cohort and prior quarters), which show that offenders whose index offence was sexual have one of the lowest overall reoffending rates — approximately 12% within one year, compared with the national average of 28.9%. Nevertheless, it maintains that any reoffending by sex offenders against children remains unacceptable and represents a serious failure to safeguard the innocent. A pie chart illustrating these reoffending rates was referenced to support the argument.
2. Proposal for “Carl’s Law”
The second document, authored by Carl Damian Trinity Power, a resident of the United Kingdom, expresses deep concern about the inadequacy of current sentences for crimes against children, including child trafficking, sexual exploitation, abuse, neglect, and other harms. It highlights the indelible trauma inflicted on victims and argues that existing laws do not provide sufficient deterrence or reflect the gravity of these offences.
Mr Power proposes the introduction of “Carl’s Law” as a legislative reform to strengthen sentencing guidelines. Key elements include:
Mandatory minimum sentences for a range of offences against children, thereby reducing unwarranted judicial discretion and leniency.
Enhanced training for law enforcement and judicial authorities to improve recognition and response to such crimes.
A clear societal message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.
The document cites an alarming rise in cases of child exploitation and trafficking over the past decade, referencing Office for National Statistics and other reports that indicate thousands of children suffer abuse and neglect annually, often resulting in minimal sentences under current provisions. It frames the proposed law as fulfilling both a moral imperative to protect children and a societal duty to deliver justice.
Mr Power urges support for the initiative through a petition, calling on others to advocate for stronger protections and just penalties so that the rights and safety of children become paramount.
Combined Call to Action
Together, these documents present a unified case for reform. The biblical and moral foundation outlined in the debate opening statement complements the practical legislative proposal in “Carl’s Law.” Both emphasise that current sentencing practices — even where overall sexual reoffending rates are relatively low — fall short in delivering adequate protection and deterrence where the victims are children.
I respectfully request that this House give serious consideration to these submissions during debate. Urgent reform of sentencing laws, including the potential adoption or debate of Carl’s Law, would send a powerful message that the protection of the most vulnerable in our society is a priority. This would align legal practice more closely with moral duties to safeguard innocent children and address evidenced risks where reoffending occurs.
I commend both documents to the House and stand ready to provide further details or the full texts as required.
Yours faithfully,
Carl Damian Trinity Power
United Kingdom Resident
Advocate for Child Protection Reform