Today [Tuesday the 17th of June 2025], the Conservatives will
push two new amendments to Labour's Crime & Policing Bill to
toughen sentences for violent weapon possession and to crack down
on fly-tipping and roadside littering.
One of our amendments seeks to increase the maximum sentence for
possession of a weapon with intent to commit unlawful violence
from four years to 14.
This change was recommended by the Independent Reviewer of
Terrorism Legislation following the Southport attack, where an
offender, already known to authorities, exploited the limits of
the current law. That must never happen again.
At present, the punishment does not fit the threat. Someone
arming themselves with intent to do harm should face serious
consequences.
We will not stand by while dangerous individuals treat our
streets like battlegrounds.
So, our amendment will give the courts the power to act and send
a message that violence has no place in our communities.
Another amendment is a direct response to a growing national
frustration on the scourge of fly-tipping. We are calling for new
powers to hit drivers who litter from their vehicles with three
penalty points on their licence. If you throw rubbish out of your
car window, you should face consequences.
This change would require the Secretary of State to consult on
establishing a system for those who fly-tip or leave litter to
receive penalty points on their driving licence. It's common
sense.
Labour MPs voted this measure down at Committee stage. When given
the choice between standing with communities or shielding
offenders, they chose the latter. However, we are bringing this
amendment back to Parliament, offering Labour a second chance to
redeem themselves and crack down on these tossers.
Labour must decide where they stand. Will they back tougher
sentencing for violent intent? Will they support holding
fly-tippers and litter louts to account? Or will they once again
side with the offenders over the victims?
MP, Shadow Minister for
Crime, Policing, and Fire, said:
“If you're carrying knife in your jacket with the intent to cause
violence, you don't belong on the streets, you belong in jail.
“Meanwhile fly-tipping tossers are turning our towns and
countryside into dumping grounds. The days of lobbing Greggs
wrappers out the window need to end.
“These two amendments are simple and it's time for Parliament to
choose. Stick with soft-touch Labour, or back the Conservative
plan to protect the public, and bring pride back to our
communities.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Increasing maximum sentence for weapon with intent to
commit unlawful violence Amendment 175
Clause 25, page 30, line 24, leave out “4” and insert “14”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would increase the maximum sentence for possession
of a weapon with intent to commit unlawful violence from four to
14 years. The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
recommended an increase in his review following the Southport
attack.
Flytipping Amendment 173
Clause 9, page 17, line 34, at end insert—
“(1A) Guidance issued about the enforcement of section 33
offences must ensure that, where a person is convicted of a
relevant offence, they are liable for the costs incurred through
loss or damage resulting from the offence.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would ensure the Secretary of State's guidance on
fly-tipping makes the person responsible for fly-tipping, rather
than the landowner, liable for the costs of cleaning up.
