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Crime and Policing Bill 2025-06-17
17 June 2025
Lead MP
Diana Johnson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 82
At a Glance
Diana Johnson raised concerns about crime and policing bill 2025-06-17 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Government Statement
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This includes various new clauses such as Offence of trespassing with intent to commit criminal offence, Arranging or facilitating begging for gain, Proving an offence under section 38, Special measures for witnesses, and many others.
Question
Questions not present in this excerpt of the bill's new clauses.
Minister reply
Answers to questions are also not provided in this section.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
Referring to the impact of violence against shop workers, Mr. Perkins asked if the Minister could affirm that the Bill will send a clear message to offenders who walk out of stores after committing crimes that they will face serious consequences.
Minister reply
The Minister affirmed that attacks on retail workers are unacceptable and highlighted the work done by organisations like the Co-op and Ucaw to highlight this issue, indicating that measures included in the Bill would help address it.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Question
Asked about neighbourhood policing funding, specifically regarding national insurance costs for police forces.
Minister reply
The Minister clarified that the Government has funded the increase in national insurance through available funds this year, contrasting with previous government’s underfunding of the police pay award.
Chris Vince
Labour/Co-op
Harlow
Question
Celebrated the introduction of five new neighbourhood police officers in Harlow and asked for confirmation on the commitment to 13,000 by the end of Parliament.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the Government aims to have 3,000 additional neighbourhood police officers by March next year towards a total of 13,000 by the end of this Parliament.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
Concerned about the potential fracturing of purpose due to amendments related to abortion law being attached to the crime Bill.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that time has been allocated for debate and clarified that the Government remains committed to making streets safer, addressing gaps in the law where necessary.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The Bill applies to England and Wales but information sharing with Northern Ireland Assembly and Scottish Parliament is important for ensuring security and safety across all regions.
Minister reply
We agree that knowledge and good practice should be shared among devolved Administrations to ensure comprehensive protection for all people.
Diana Johnson
no specific constituency mentioned
Question
None provided, but this is part of the statement.
Minister reply
The new clauses and amendments aim to enhance protections for emergency workers from racial or religious abuse within private homes, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear.
Chris Vince
Constituency Not Provided
Question
Having worked for a homelessness charity, I have seen this issue at first hand. Does the Minister agree that when there is an organisation behind the begging, the person forced to beg is actually being exploited, so these laws will help to tackle a form of exploitation?
Minister reply
Yes, my hon. Friend makes that point very well. Individuals are often exploited by serious and organised criminal gangs, and we aim to crack down on their activity with these new clauses.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Question
Near my constituency, there has been a troubling spate of recent incidents involving younger people filming themselves injuring wildlife using catapults and placing the footage on TikTok. Would the Minister agree that this behaviour goes beyond antisocial behaviour and may require stricter measures?
Minister reply
Sadly, it is not the first time I have heard about such appalling behaviour. This issue needs to be looked at further, and I will raise it with my counterparts in DEFRA.
Wendy Morton
Constituency Not Provided
Question
I share your concern about the additional police officers we are getting. When looking at our figures for the West Midlands, the boost is coming from deployments rather than actual increases. Can you elaborate on this issue?
Minister reply
This is a valid point of concern. We must ensure that promised increases in police numbers materialise across all regions.
Chris Vince
Lab
Question
Does he not recognise that there may well be an increase in police numbers, but we have seen a decrease in police staff? In Essex, over 400 police staff were lost during the Conservatives’ period in office.
Minister reply
The Government aims to improve police numbers and resources through the Bill. However, concerns about frontline staffing are valid, and more needs to be done to address these issues.
Matt Bishop
Lab
Forest of Dean
Question
Does he agree that the Bill will give the police more confidence in having the right powers, so they can make a difference?
Minister reply
The Bill aims to provide police with necessary powers and support to enforce legislation effectively.
Sam Carling
Lab
North West Cambridgeshire
Question
How does the Minister ensure that mandatory reporting for child sexual abuse is implemented fully in religious groups like Jehovah's Witnesses?
Minister reply
The Government aims to implement mandatory reporting as per IICSA recommendations, but criminal sanctions are not currently included. We will work on ensuring effective implementation across all settings.
Tewkesbury
Question
The hon. Gentleman is making very important points, in particular on the Jehovah’s Witnesses cult. One of the methods Jehovah’s Witnesses use to ensure that issues like this do not escape from the organisation is threatening individuals with the act of disfellowshipping—being cut off from all communication with their own family... [Full text provided]
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Question
I support amendment 19, which seeks to amend clause 94 to make spiking or administering a harmful substance an offence. The majority of victims are women aged around 26 and incidents can happen anywhere.
Minister reply
Thank you for your support on this issue. We share the view that spiking is hideous and we will consider ways to ensure regulation is comprehensive.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
My hon. Friend has made a compelling argument regarding the amendment he presented. Is my hon. Friend able to provide any insights into the Government's response, given that the amendment garners cross-party support?
Joe Robertson
Lab
Harrow West
Question
I have had discussions with the Home Office and individual Ministers. The Government’s position seems to be that reckless acts are covered under intent to annoy, but I believe this is insufficient as not all reckless actions can be classified as intending to annoy. If the Government does not accept my amendment, I urge them to draft their own to address the issue effectively.
John McDonnell
Ind
Hayes and Harlington
Question
I welcome proposals on fly-tipping but am concerned about public order legislation proposed in relation to demonstrations. The Government's focus is on addressing gaps highlighted by recent protests, including criminal offences for climbing war memorials, possessing pyrotechnic articles at protests, and concealing identity. However, there are issues with the drafting of clause 114 regarding restrictions on protests near places of worship that could be interpreted loosely or lead to unnecessary policing.
Wendy Morton
Con
Question
I support amendments 172, 173, and 174 on clean-up costs, cost liability guidance. They build on the principle that those who cause the mess should pay to clear it up...
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Question
Does the right hon. Lady’s calculation of £1 billion account for how people feel, for the degradation of pride in areas where people fly-tip?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady makes an important point. There is a social and community cost that is difficult to evaluate... A lot of it is down to a lack of respect for the community and antisocial behaviour, for want of a better word.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Question
Does the right hon. Member agree that when people see potholes unfilled, litter uncollected, overgrown verges and general disrepair—when they are walking through decline—they feel hopeless...
Minister reply
That is an important point about pride in where we live and about hope... I have seen a couple of examples on social media just this week of individuals who have been treating the high street in Pelsall as their own personal litter bin, and the local authority has gone after them and fined them.
Jo White
Lab
Bassetlaw
Question
Today, I am raising the issue of street racing and antisocial behaviour in Bassetlaw. Residents living close to the A57 are terrified by the noise and risk of accidents due to unofficial road-racing events organised via social media.
Cameron Thomas
Con
Question
Will she join me in commending the work of the Under 17 Car Club and its Pathfinder initiative, which teaches young drivers about the dangers of driving in that fashion?
Minister reply
My concern is that such unorganised racing events are held to show off how fast and noisy cars can be—there needs to be much stronger action to control that.
Henley and Thame
Question
Does she feel that the powers should be strengthened for the police to stop that intimidating and antisocial behaviour?
Minister reply
I very much agree; that is why I am raising it today.
Wolverhampton North East
Question
The increased orders in the Crime and Policing Bill, such as respect orders, will help to tackle antisocial behaviour. Does my hon. Friend think that they could be a vehicle—sorry, poor choice of word—to address the gatherings that she has described?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend—those orders could be used.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Darlington
Question
Does she agree that USDAW’s campaign to protect shop workers, which has been going on for years, is brilliant and that it is excellent that this Labour Government are finally introducing the right punishments for people who commit aggravated assaults against shop workers?
Minister reply
USDAW was the first union I ever joined, and I very much support its campaign.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Question
Will she also commend the Co-op party, which, like USDAW, has campaigned so hard for this new law?
Minister reply
I wholeheartedly agree. It is not just USDAW; the Co-op party has campaigned vociferously on this matter, too.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Question
It is important to remember that, although a lot of this antisocial behaviour is committed by young people—it is not exclusively young people; many older drivers and users of motorised vehicles commit antisocial behaviour—and it has a big impact
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Question
The hon. Member is making an excellent speech and raises a serious problem across the country regarding speeding e-bikes. In my constituency, many residents are concerned about these vehicles. I urge Thames Valley Police to take more action on this menace.
Minister reply
We recognise the concerns raised by the hon. Gentleman and appreciate his support for our efforts in addressing these issues.
Graham Leadbitter
Constituency not specified
Question
I am pleased to hear that work is ongoing throughout the country.
Minister reply
Indeed, we are working closely with Police Scotland and other relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive measures are in place.
Lola McEvoy
Constituency not specified
Question
I commend the hon. Member for bringing up the issue of young people using off-road bikes, which is tearing up communities and green spaces while putting themselves at severe risk.
Minister reply
Thank you for your support on this critical matter; our focus remains on ensuring public safety through education and enforcement.
Jack Abbott
Lab/Co-op
Ipswich
Question
I welcome the Government’s new clauses which strengthen provisions to tackle mobile phone thefts, recover stolen goods, introduce tough respect orders for antisocial behaviour offenders, create a specific offence of assaulting shop workers, and give powers to police in cases of trespassing with intent.
Minister reply
The amendments aim to provide necessary tools to law enforcement agencies to protect communities from rising crime rates and ensure justice is served.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
I rise to support amendment 19, in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight East (Joe Robertson). I hope that the Minister listened to the compelling case that my hon. Friend made, and to the compelling case made by the hon. Member for Hitchin (Alistair Strathern) on the issue of spiking more generally.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Question
In the interests of time, I will skip through the many amendments I want to support, but there are a few that will really make a difference to people in Milton Keynes Central. First, I reiterate what my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw (Jo White) said on street racing.
Luke Taylor
LD
Sutton and Cheam
Question
I was incredibly fortunate to sit on the Bill Committee considering this legislation. It is clear that, although opinions differ on details, we all share a common goal of tackling crime in a meaningful way, so that we can make people feel safe in our communities again.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
Does the Minister agree that my amendment 21 would stop the police from accessing everyone's driving licences to use them for complete surveillance, which is not the intention of the Bill?
Minister reply
The Minister reassures Dawn Butler that her amendment 21 is not necessary because the Bill does not intend to allow the police to access driving licenses for surveillance purposes. The Minister suggests discussing this further outside of the Chamber.
Sam Carling
Con
North West Cambridgeshire
Question
The MP discussed his experience with Jehovah’s Witness groups and the complexity involved in assessing signs and indications of child sexual abuse, raising concerns about a chilling effect on volunteering.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that it would not be proportionate to provide criminal sanctions that may inadvertently discourage volunteers from working with children or entering certain professions. The Government is creating an offence for those who deliberately prevent someone from fulfilling their mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse.
Kirith Entwistle
Bolton North East
Question
My hon. Friend the Member for Bolton North East spoke to amendment 20, which relates to encouraging or assisting self-harm in clause 95 and seeks to address sentencing considerations.
Minister reply
On sentencing, the courts must already consider the circumstances of each case, including aggravating and mitigating factors, and follow relevant guidelines set by the independent Sentencing Council. Where a defendant has previous convictions, this is already recognised as a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing.
John McDonnell
Hayes and Harlington
Question
The right hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington spoke to amendment 161, which aims to delete clause 114 regarding conditions on protests near places of worship.
Minister reply
Clause 114 will allow the police to impose conditions on a protest near a place of worship if the police have a reasonable belief that the protest may deter individuals from accessing the place of worship for religious activities, even if that effect is not intended. This gives clarity and respect for peaceful protests while protecting places of worship.
Richard Graham
Former Member
Question
Campaigner Richard Graham was acknowledged as a pioneer in bringing forward a spiking amendment.
Minister reply
The Government's view is that the offence already captures a wide range of criminal behaviours, including both spiking and non-spiking incidents. For instance, if someone coerces another into concealing an item inside their body for criminal purposes, this falls within the defined conditions.
Question
New clause 53 makes it an offence to arrange or facilitate begging and new clause 54 amends section 38 regarding intent to cause a child to commit offences.
Minister reply
These amendments aim to introduce legal provisions that address the facilitation of begging upon repeal of certain acts, and align with the approach taken in Part 2 of the Serious Crime Act 2007 for encouraging or assisting crime.
Question
Will there be exemptions for certain groups, such as collectors or sports enthusiasts?
Robert Jenrick
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Question
How does the government plan to address potential misuse of this new law, ensuring it protects women's rights without compromising public safety?
Minister reply
We will be introducing stringent monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with medical standards while protecting individual freedoms. This includes regular audits and reporting requirements for healthcare providers.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
What measures are in place to prevent women from feeling pressured into making decisions without adequate information or support?
Minister reply
The amendment includes provisions for mandatory pre-abortion consultations with trained professionals who will provide comprehensive information about all available options. This ensures that every woman is fully informed before proceeding.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
Asked if there are other areas of law that remove criminal protection for life, focusing on the child's voiceless status in abortion cases.
Minister reply
Responded by clarifying that new clause 1 would only disapply criminal laws relating to women acting in relation to their own pregnancies, while still adhering to the Abortion Act conditions.
Question
Inquired about potential risks and concerns regarding telemedicine abortion practices.
Minister reply
Replied that current legal frameworks should ensure protection for vulnerable women without compromising their access to safe medical care.
Perkins
Con
Question
Can the hon. Member explain why there must never be any prosecution ever, given that she is asking for an absolute prohibition on prosecution in every case?
Minister reply
The truth is that we need to flip this around and recognise that no woman is deterred by criminal law when making such a decision; they are desperate and need help. This amendment would provide support rather than prosecution, ensuring women receive the assistance they require without fear of legal repercussions.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Question
Would not this new clause make abortion more dangerous and lonely by decriminalising the woman but not those who may be there to give support?
Minister reply
Any abortion is a life-changing experience, and we need to protect women in these circumstances. The amendment aims to provide legal protection for vulnerable women without undermining existing protections against coercion or control.
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
Question
If a woman goes all the way through full term and then decides it is an inconvenience, does the hon. Member still think she should be covered by this legal protection?
Minister reply
I would like to know if the hon. Member actually knows of any woman who would put themselves in such a situation without coercion or control. The amendment seeks to protect women facing extreme circumstances.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
Does the hon. Lady believe that a baby should be terminated right up to term, given her support for new clause 1?
Minister reply
The amendment focuses on protecting vulnerable women from prosecution due to coercion or control. It does not address terminations at full term; I am supportive of women’s rights early in pregnancy but not in relation to healthy babies near term.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Question
Must we not consider the baby's safety as much as the woman's safety, given tragic cases involving late-term live births?
Minister reply
We need to consider both the safety of the woman and the baby. The amendment aims to ensure that women receive proper medical consultation before taking inappropriate medication, preventing traumatic experiences for mothers.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Question
I am delighted to support the hon. Member's amendment as it highlights the reality of coercion against women seeking abortions.
Minister reply
Thank you, Sir John. I agree with your point about the real-world implications of such practices.
Catherine Fookes
Lab
Monmouthshire
Question
I urge the hon. Lady to reconsider her position as there is no change proposed in new clause 1 that would decriminalise abortion up until term.
Minister reply
Thank you for your intervention, Catherine. Under the proposed rules, a woman could legally procure her own abortion at any gestation period, which raises significant safety concerns.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Question
Late-term abortions have increased in jurisdictions after decriminalisation, indicating that criminal law acts as a deterrent.
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is correct; telemedicine has made it easier to obtain abortion pills later into pregnancy, leading to instances where women or others may be coerced or forced into obtaining them.
Anna Sabine
Lib Dem
Frome and East Somerset
Question
While I understand the hon. Lady's concerns about safety, her amendment could significantly hinder access for victims of domestic violence and those in rural areas.
Minister reply
The hon. Lady raises valid points regarding accessibility, but improving medical safety should be prioritised over ease of access, particularly when it involves vulnerable individuals.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
I propose new clause 20 to decriminalise abortion and ensure compliance with human rights standards as defined by CEDAW.
Minister reply
While I understand the hon. Lady's desire for change, her proposal risks undermining safety measures without addressing concerns about coercion and abuse.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
There is a difference of principle on the question of human rights, because there are two lives involved in these decisions. That is the fundamental problem.
Minister reply
I respect the right hon. Gentleman’s belief and will defend it. However, I argue that protecting women's wellbeing ensures better outcomes for both mothers and potential children.
Jim Allister
DUP
Strangford
Question
The intervention in 2019 led to extreme abortion laws in Northern Ireland and a significant increase in unregulated abortions.
Minister reply
Stopping access to abortion does not stop it; it stops safe abortion. New clause 20 aims to ensure that women have safe access to the service.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The hon. Member referred to Northern Ireland as an example, but why should we follow this precedent?
Minister reply
We are not removing regulations; we want to apply the same human rights compliance test in England and Wales that was applied successfully in Northern Ireland.
Carla Lockhart
Con
Derbyshire North East
Question
Will the hon. Lady give way?
Minister reply
I am sorry, but I cannot take any interventions because of time constraints.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
There are concerns that new clause 20 would remove outdated laws.
Minister reply
Those who claim this have not paid attention to the existing legislation, including reproductive coercion offences. The clause retains good faith principles for medical decisions.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Question
I rise to speak for new clause 106 and against new clauses 1 and 20. I am grateful for this opportunity to place on the record my grave concerns about this hurried attempt to significantly alter our nation’s abortion laws.
Question
I rise to speak in support of new clause 1, tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi), which would remove women from the criminal law on abortion.
Sarah Pochin
Reform
Runcorn and Helsby
Question
Due to medical advancements, we can save the life of a foetus at 21 weeks, yet we can legally terminate a foetus at 24 weeks. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that we should actually be reducing the window in which it is possible to have an abortion?
Minister reply
I agree with the MP's concern regarding medical advancements and suggest reducing the legal timeframe for abortions.
Maya Ellis
Lab
Ribble Valley
Question
In support of new clauses 1 and 20, Maya Ellis discusses women’s issues in the UK, including maternity ward safety, childcare costs, medical negligence, and Sure Start decimation. She criticises those who speak against abortion without addressing these broader issues.
Minister reply
The shadow minister's points are not directly addressed but his legal analysis of new clauses 1 and 20 is extensive.
Question
I believe that both lives matter in every pregnancy—both the mum’s life and the child’s life. Abortion providers pushed for pills-by-post without proper verification, leading to complications and dangerous late-term abortions. The public supports a return to in-person consultations (supported by new clause 106).
Minister reply
The shadow minister's legal opinion highlights that decriminalising abortion would be harmful due to increased medical risks and could incentivise more dangerous late-term abortions.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Question
It is worth being absolutely clear about what new clause 1 would and would not do. It would simply remove the threat of prosecution for women who end their own pregnancy: it would not change the abortion time limit, which remains.
Deirdre Costigan
Lab
Ealing Southall
Question
A constituent came to see me yesterday and explained that when she was 16 she was coerced into a forced marriage by her family. She had not been allowed to have any sex education, so when she became pregnant she did not even realise. It was only when her mum noticed that she managed to access a legal abortion, but she told me that she could have been in a situation in which she would have had to get out of that marriage in order to have a late abortion.
Rebecca Paul
Con
Reigate
Question
I rise to speak against new clauses 1 and 20, and in support of new clause 106, tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham (Dr Johnson). First, it is important for me to say that I fully support women’s reproductive rights.
David Smith
Lab
North Northumberland
Question
I rise to oppose new clauses 1 and 20 and to support new clause 106. All the new clauses concern the issue of abortion.
David Smith
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
The MP's speech, which includes concerns about the risks of late-term abortions and backstreet procedures if current abortion laws are changed.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
Question
Asked her hon. Friend to give way but did not have the opportunity to speak fully during the debate.
Julia Lopez
Con
Hornchurch and Upminster
Question
Rising to speak against new clauses 1 and 20, expressed concerns about rushed changes to abortion laws and their potential consequences for women and unborn children.
Question
Asked hon. Members to give way multiple times to address specific points but did not receive full responses during the debate.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Hull North
Question
Supported her hon. Friend, agreeing that women take abortion decisions very seriously and should be supported in making them.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Delyn
Question
Articulated support for constituents concerned about access to safe and legal abortions without criminal repercussions.
Question
There is a calumny at the heart of this, which is that these new clauses are compatible with the ’67 Act. When breaching an Act of this Parliament ceases to be unlawful, it loses its force and therefore its purpose, and that calumny cannot be allowed to stand on the record.
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for his intervention.
Question
As is usual on matters of conscience, these votes will not be whipped by my party today, as I believe is the case across the House. That said, my party passed relevant policy at our party conference, and I will lay out that policy before talking a little about my predecessor’s work on the 1967 Act...
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Question
We have made a significant change to abortion law today without proper scrutiny or debate. How can we ensure that such major changes are not rushed through in the future?
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