Government to look at 'Sarah's Law'

The News of the World campaigns for 'Sarah's Law'

The government has said it will seriously consider calls for new laws to protect children from known paedophiles, following a press campaign for "Sarah's Law".

The announcement followed the decision by the News of the World newspaper to end its "name and shame" policy of publishing the photographs and locations of convicted child sex offenders.

After the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne, the paper had argued that every parent should have the right to know if a paedophile was living nearby.

I believe the introduction of Sarah's Law is now inevitable

Rebekah Wade Editor, News of the World

But warnings from child organisations and the police that the campaign would only drive such offenders underground were initially ignored by the newspaper.

'Tremendous victory'

On Friday a compromise for the future of the campaign was agreed by the News of the World and the principal agencies involved in child protection.

In what has been described as a "climbdown" by other newspapers, editor Rebekah Wade said: "This is a tremendous victory for every parent and every child in the country.

"As a result of our 'naming and shaming' campaign I believe the introduction of 'Sarah's Law' is now inevitable," she added.

Paul Boateng assures government response

In response, Home Office Minister Paul Boateng said: "The 'Sarah's Law' campaign proposals make an important contribution to the debate and demand very serious consideration.

"This the government will do urgently."

Ms Wade has vowed to name and shame any politician who impedes her newspaper's crusade for tougher laws against paedophiles.

Controlled access

The paper decided to concentrate on changing the law to win parents controlled access to information about paedophiles in their area.

I wouldn't want to see the details of a father who had abused his children in the public domain

Mike Haimes

But concern is already being expressed over the way in which such information could be made public.

The former head of Scotland Yard's Obscene Publications Branch, Mike Haimes, told BBC Radio 5 Live that the idea was fraught with difficulties.

"These people offer all sorts of different levels of risk," he said.

"I wouldn't want to see, for example, the details of a father who had abused his children in the public domain.

"Because all that is going to happen is that the children will then be picked on by their friends...they will be re-victimised."

'Long overdue'

However Sarah's parents, Sara and Michael Payne, said they supported the newspaper's decision and want the government to take action in light of the paper's move.

The bereaved couple will visit the News of the World offices on Saturday to show their support for its campaign.

Sara and Michael Payne support the newspaper's decision

The Paynes said the proposed 'Sarah's Law' would "give back power to parents to enable them to protect their children".

They added: "This debate was long overdue and we look forward to hearing the home secretary's response to this decision."

Representatives of the police, the probation service and charities who had condemned the News of the World's campaign welcomed the news that the naming and shaming drive had ended.