Kirstie Allsopp: Social Services Investigate Son's Interrailing Trip
Television presenter Kirstie Allsopp has revealed that social services contacted her after her 15-year-old son, Oscar, went on an interrailing trip across Europe with a friend. The Location, Location, Location star, 52, allowed Oscar to embark on the journey this summer but has since been informed that a file has been opened on him due to child protection concerns.
Allsopp expressed her shock and anger at the situation, stating she felt "absolutely sick" and "very, very cross" at the unfounded allegations. She vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that she had broken no law and that allowing her son to travel was not neglectful.
Allsopp revealed that social services officials refused to disclose the source of the referral, simply stating that all reports must be investigated. They also confirmed that a file had been opened on Oscar, and that the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), Allsopp's local council, could keep the file open "in case there was another referral and we needed to come to your house and look into this further".
Allsopp described the situation as "Orwellian" and expressed concern about the potential for the file to remain open indefinitely. She highlighted the lack of understanding from social services regarding the malicious nature of the initial referral.
A spokesperson for RBKC defended the council's actions, stating that safeguarding children is a priority and that they take all referrals seriously. They reiterated their statutory responsibility for children under the age of 18.
Allsopp's decision to allow her son to interrail had sparked mixed reactions online, with some criticising her for allowing a 15-year-old to travel alone, while others praised her for encouraging independence and exploration.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Allsopp acknowledged the financial barriers to interrailing, but argued that it was vital to give children the confidence that comes from being trusted. She stated that while she missed spending the summer with her son, she was "so proud of him" and believed his gain from the experience outweighed her loss. She concluded by saying, "if weâre afraid our children will also be afraid, if we let go, they will fly."
