Closed petition: Prevent Sex Offenders from Applying for Removal from the Sex Offenders Register

Closed on 30 November 2025

In July 2012, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 was amended to allow certain convicted sex offenders to apply for removal from the Sex Offenders Register 15 years after release. I respectfully urge this amendment be repealed to protect the public.

I believe sexual offences fundamentally breach victims’ human rights, particularly Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment. Article 3 requires public authorities to prevent such treatment and protect individuals from others who do. I believe allowing removal inherently reduces victim protection and enables reoffending risk, ultimately failing the obligation to protect victims.

While removal may interfere with the offender’s Article 8 right to private life, I believe this interference is justified and necessary, and does not amount to a breach, as I believe the protection of victims outweighs the offenders' rights.