Maya’s Law artwork by County Durham schoolchildren in London

The display of handprints from Consett School, New Beginnings Childcare, Castleside Primary School and Catchgate Primary School was taken to London by Maya Chappell’s great-aunts Gemma Chappell and Rachael Walls for the debate in April.

The handprint artwork outside the Houses of Parliament (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

Maya was murdered by her mother’s partner, Michael Daymond, when he violently shook the tot at her home in Shotton Colliery in September 2022.

Each handprint represents a child’s voice and serves as a reminder of the campaign’s goal: stronger safeguarding measures to help protect vulnerable children.

From left to right: Gemma Chappell, Mary Foy MP, Liz Twist MP, and Rachael Walls (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

Rachael Walls, the great aunt of Maya Chappell, with the artwork (Image: RACHAEL WALLS/GEMMA CHAPPELL)

The artwork was unveiled as MPs discussed proposals to introduce ‘Maya’s Law’, which would place a legal duty on agencies to share information about potential risks to children.

While the Government did not back the law as a standalone piece of legislation, it said some proposed changes would be included in wider reforms to child protection.

Since the debate, Maya’s family have made clear that their campaign is far from over.

Speaking after the debate, Gemma said: “We will keep working with ministers and MPs until Maya’s Law is in place.”