Extracts from second reading debate (Commons) of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill - Mar 16
Wednesday, 17 March 2021 08:43
Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con): The Second Reading of a Bill
is, for me, about the principle of the legislation. As a candidate
at the last general election, I stood on the Government’s manifesto
to make this country safer by taking more effective action against
crime. Colleagues have the opportunity both in Committee and on
Report to amend the Bill if they so wish. I say to my hon. Friend
the Minister that I was slightly disappointed that the issue of
“released under...Request free trial
(Southend West) (Con): The Second Reading of
a Bill is, for me, about the principle of the legislation. As a
candidate at the last general election, I stood on the Government’s
manifesto to make this country safer by taking more effective
action against crime. Colleagues have the opportunity both in
Committee and on Report to amend the Bill if they so wish. I say to
my hon. Friend the Minister that I was slightly disappointed that
the issue of “released under investigation” was not included in
this particular Bill, but I am very glad that the Home Office has
announced today that we will be looking again at the role of
Police and Crime Commissioners...
(Tottenham)
(Lab):...The Government would rather blow a dog whistle
against minorities than make women safe. Measures in the Bill will
further compound the inequalities experienced by Gypsies and
Travellers who are already the most disproportionately represented
group in the justice system. Those found guilty of trespass in the
Bill could receive a higher sentence than someone convicted of
stalking. Once again, this Government’s priorities are skewed. Even
police forces do not support the Government’s criminalisation of
trespass. The National Police Chiefs’ Council and the
Association of Police and Crime Commissioners
said:
“Trespass is a civil offence and our view is that it should
remain so.”
Why are the Government determined to lock up Gypsies and
Travellers, even against the advice of their own police?
To read the whole debate, CLICK
HERE
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