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Open Stop serious offenders changing their names to hide their criminal past

Created by Emma Watson
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Change the law to prevent people convicted of serious offences from concealing their criminal history through name changes, including after release from prison.

A new name should not hide a serious conviction. We want stronger restrictions on name changes for people convicted of serious offences, including after release from prison. Any permitted change should remain traceable to previous identities and convictions in police records and relevant safeguarding checks. The aim is to protect victims and the public by preventing offenders from using a new identity to conceal a history that is relevant to others’ safety.

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    This petition will stay open until 6 April 2027.