MPs back call for change in law after Leeds schoolboy's tragic death

Harry WhitlamHarry Whitlam
Harry Whitlam
THE mother of tragic schoolboy Harry Whitlam has written to all 650 MPs asking for support for her campaign to secure a change in drink-drive laws.

Mrs Whitlam said around 100 MPs have replied offering their support and she is pleased with the campaign’s progress.

Her son Harry, 11, from East Ardsley, died after he was struck by a reversing tractor at Swithens Farm in Rothwell in 2013.

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However, the driver of the tractor, Gary Green, who was over the drink drive limit, could not be prosecuted under road traffic laws because the incident took place on private land.

Pamela WhitlamPamela Whitlam
Pamela Whitlam

Mrs Whitlam is campaigning for that loophole to be closed with the introduction of what has become known as “Whitlam’s Law”.

She said: “we are pleased with how things are progressing. It’s a slow process but we are gaining support from other MPs who are backing the changes we are trying to make.”

Alec Shelbrooke MP (Cons/Elmet and Rothwell) held an adjournment debate on the issue in the House of Commons last July.

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Last week in the House of Commons Mr Shelbrooke said he was no clearer as to the Government’s position.