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A bill calling for tougher sentences for child cruelty which is named after a six-year-old double amputee from Kent is due to be debated in parliament.
Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat will today lead discussions in the House of Commons before asking the government to introduce ‘Tony’s Law’.
Tony Hudgell from Kings Hill was brutally beaten by his birth parents when he was just a few weeks old.
His injuries were so severe he was left fighting for his life and had to have both his legs amputated at 41 days old.
His biological parents Jody Simpson and Antony Smith from Whitstable were both jailed for 10 years in 2018 , the maximum sentence available.
Now with the help of Tony's adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, Mr Tugendhat wants to see this sentence increased to life.
He tried to introduce the Child Cruelty Bill last year but the December general election stalled the progress.
Ahead of the debate, Mr Tugendhat said he hopes the government will see today as the right time to re-introduce it.
He said: “Tony’s Law is an extremely important piece of legislation which seeks to bring sentencing for child cruelty offences in line with the equivalent sentence, should the crime be committed against an adult.”
“I hope that the government will introduce Tony’s Law as a way of recognising this unfairness which exists in our justice system. This is what I will be asking the government during the debate, and their support would be very welcome.
“Tony’s Law is the best way the government can support the extraordinary fundraising efforts of Tony Hudgell, who has captured the nation's heart during this most difficult year.
"During my speech I will highlight all the ways Tony has inspired people during his journey and how his achievements, after the hardest start in life, can be recognised in law.”
Paula Hudgell, Tony’s mother, said: “We are delighted that Tony’s Law is being debated again in the House of Commons and hope that this is something which the Government will look to introduce soon.
“There are, sadly, many other children like Tony who have not had the start in life they deserve and Tony’s Law will mean that those responsible for their care will be appropriately punished.
“It isn’t right that just because Tony was abused as a child, the sentence for his perpetrators is lower.”
The Discovery School Pupil became a national treasure when he raised more than £1 million for charity by walking 10km on his new prosthetic legs.
Inspired by Captain Tom Moore, Tony decided to take on the challenge walking up to 500m everyday throughout June.
His extraordinary efforts meant Tony smashed his humble target of £500 in just a few days.
He donated the funds to staff at Evelina Children's Hospital in London who battled to save his life as a baby.
Tony still attends regular appointments at the hospital and has been making great progress with his walking since.
His efforts saw him awarded the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award , a prize which recognises outstanding efforts made by individual volunteers.
The youngster also received words of encouragement from former Prime Minister David Cameron , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the footballing heroes of his team Chelsea.
KMTV meet Tony as he's gifted a custom car after his fundraiser
