BOLTON MP Yasmin Qureshi has joined calls to toughen up legislation protecting children from sexual exploitation.

The member for Bolton South East joined a backbench inquiry in Parliament to hear from young victims, the police, voluntary sector and council about what needs to change to make children safer.

The committee’s report — published by MP Sarah Champion and Barnados — has made a list of policy recommendations to the government.

They include removing the term ‘child prostitution’ from law, changes the way schools teach children about exploitation and given specialist training to all judges and lawyers involved in cases where children are abused.

Ms Qureshi said it was an ‘honour’ to take part in this important debate. She added: “We heard from those on the front line in the fight against this awful crime and the young victims who so bravely spoke to us about their experiences.

“Taking part in this process has left me in no doubt about the scale of this issue and the urgency that is needed from all parties to tackle it.

“Now is not the time to rest on our laurels and we must seize every opportunity to gain the upper hand against child sexual exploitation.”