MP to introduce road safety bill after boy's death

BBC Will Stone MP asking a question in the House of CommonsBBC
Swindon North MP Will Stone said the bill will be known as Harry Parker's Law

An MP will introduce a bill to change the law around road safety following the death of a 14-year-old boy.

Harry Parker died from injuries sustained when he was hit by a car driven by care worker Ivy Mwangi on 25 November 2022 outside Nova Hreod Academy on Akers Way in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Ms Mwangi was charged with causing death by careless driving and causing death while driving without a licence, but the charges were dropped in November due to a lack of evidence.

Swindon North MP, Will Stone, said: "I've been working with Harry's parents – and this will be called Harry Parker's Law – and with lawyers to close some of the loopholes that became apparent in this case."

Family Handout Harry Parker holding a trophy, looking at the cameraFamily Handout
Harry, described as a "very popular and charming young man" died five days before his 15th birthday

Stone said he had put in an application to introduce a 10-minute rule bill in the House of Commons on 4 February.

"I don't expect that it will be opposed, and I think it's almost certain to pass its first reading, this is not a controversial topic," Stone told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"I feel for the family. I had them in my office after the case got dropped to discuss how we could support them and help them.

"For them it's about legacy, how do we make sure nobody goes through what they went through. There are areas of the law that need to change."

Harry's parents will be present to watch Stone present the bill.

His father Adam said: "We felt very let down by the justice system and we think this is the best way of changing the law."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.