This briefing has been jointly produced by The Children's Society, the National Children's Bureau, Children England, Children's Rights Alliance for England, Children in Scotland, Coram Children's Legal Centre, NSPCC, Barnardo's and ECPAT UK.

Children had no say in the EU referendum, but the result will have a profound impact on their lives, and the lives of future children and young people. For this reason, it is critical that during the passage of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, parliament considers the impact of the decision to leave the European Union on the rights, safety and welfare of children and young people and urges the Government to put the best interests of children first.

This briefing, which is supported by a range of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of children and young people across the UK, will address three key themes, and proposes two key amendments for debate in later stages of the Bill.

1. Protection and promotion of children’s rights
2. Ensuring that cross-border mechanisms are in place to safeguard children and ensuring adequate structural funding to address inequalities

The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union has said on numerous occasions that the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is designed to ensure "continuity". Throughout each of the areas addressed in this briefing, we are seeking to ensure that the existing rights and protections children enjoy as members of the European Union continue as the UK exits the European Union.

Read the full briefing