THE publicity surrounding the death of Baby P has dominated public attention for weeks as the sad story of his short life unfolded. And Britain has been rightly horrified that another child has suffered such horrendous abuse. In response the Government has promised new legislation, restructures, and over £200m to further develop child protection.

But every day thousands of older people suffer equally dreadful abuse or are on the receiving end of sub standard and poor care. A Government sponsored report in 2007 suggested over 342,000 old people experience abuse within their own homes. Action on Elder Abuse estimates that the true figure could be more than 500,000 older people. To protect older people we rely on guidance that has no status and no resources. And that guidance is failing. We are therefore supporting the call by Action on Elder Abuse and others, for the Government to introduce a new law to put the protection of our old people on the same status as children, domestic abuse, and animals. If we cannot give safety and security to our older citizens then we have no justification to call ourselves a civilised nation. They deserve better than this.

Baroness Greengross, Baroness Barker, Baroness Murphy, Baroness Howe, Professor Lord Winston, Lord Rea, Lord Patel, Lord Joffe, Parliamentary Office, House of Lords, London, SW1A 0PW.