Predators who try to lure children into terrorism, drug dealing and shoplifting will face stiff penalties if the Government backs a bid to change the law.

Former Health Minister Victoria Atkins is leading the charge to make it a criminal offense to involve any person under the age of 18 in criminal activity.

It is hoped this will prevent children working in the drug trade or carrying guns for adults in the county.

Ms Atkins will introduce a bill that would make it an offense to approach a child for such purposes, regardless of whether the child has committed the offence.

If an adult attempts to prepare a child to commit murder, the adult will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

He said: “The exploitation of children by criminal gangs is disgusting and must stop. This bill will strengthen our laws to ensure that adults who seek to train children to engage in illegal activities face the full weight of the law, with sentences that clearly state this country will never tolerate such abuse.

“I will continue to work with colleagues across the House to give the police and courts the powers they need to protect our children and young people.”

The Children’s Association gave strong support to the bill, saying: “A legal definition of criminal exploitation of children would be a huge step forward in protecting our children. This means that children and young people who end up being manipulated and forced into crime are seen as victims, not criminals.”

England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, said she would “welcome any legislation”, adding: “I would like to see high-quality youth services integrated into society and a coordinated approach to help identify children at risk earlier.”

Johnny Bolderson of Catch22, which works to stop child exploitation, said: “Tens of thousands of children and young people are criminally exploited every year. According to British Transport Police, one in five teenage boys say they or their friends have been offered a job by criminal gangs.

“The problem is growing and the victims are getting younger and younger. We strongly support this bill as one of a range of measures needed to combat the criminal exploitation of children.

“We know from experience that an offender can groom a child for months before engaging in criminal activity on that child’s behalf. Stopping this behavior early and before crime is committed should be a positive step.”

Warning about the consequences of children falling under the influence of criminals, he said: “The long-term impact of abuse and the psychological and physical trauma cannot be underestimated. A young person’s education, police records, and family and peer relationships can be affected by exploitation.

“They cannot relive these important years; They only have one childhood. “So, as well as tightening the law, we also need to continue to invest in raising awareness of the risk of grooming among young people and educating parents and trusted adults on how to spot the signs of criminal abuse and where to get support.”