THE inspirational Claire Throssell MBE said she felt ‘every emotion possible’ after MPs voted to repeal the presumption of contact.

Last Tuesday, the Courts and Tribunals bill had its second reading in Parliament and was voted through the first phase of the parliamentary process.

This marks a landmark moment for Claire’s eleven year campaign to repeal the presumption, following the tragic deaths of her son’s Jack and Paul Sykes. The brothers died in a house fire at the hands of their known domestically abusive father.

The presumption of parental involvement is a legal principle in the Children Act 1989 that means that any parent, even those who are known domestic abusers, should be given contact with their children.

Claire said: “Sat in the gallery listening to the debate and willing the Courts and Tribunals Bill to pass through the second reading I felt every emotion possible because enclosed within this bill is Clause 17 - Jack and Paul’s law to finally repeal the presumption of parental contact.

“Eleven years of campaigning, hope, despair, love and tears condensed into one day - one moment.

“I cried when the vote was announced and the bills journey forward continues.”

MP Marie Tidball gave a speech during the debate and said it was one of the ‘proudest moments’ of her life.

She said: “It has been an absolute honour to campaign alongside Claire.

“When we first met, at Penistone Grammar School, where both Jack and I went, I told her that if I was elected, I would do all I could to help her change the law.

“On the 11th anniversary of the boys’ death, in October last year, I took Claire to No.10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister - the first Prime Minister to personally commit to fulfil Claire’s promise to her beautiful boys.

“Now, Jack and Paul’s Law has passed its first stage in the parliamentary process - this is a monumental moment. “