Streatham Incident

Discussed the terror attack in Streatham, emphasised the need for robust security measures including longer sentences and stricter monitoring conditions for terrorist offenders, doubling the number of counter-terrorism probation officers, a £90 million funding increase, an independent review led by Jonathan Hall QC on multi-agency protection arrangements, and immediate action to prevent automatic release of terrorists before their full custodial term. Also mentioned new legislation for tougher penalties and safeguards upon release.

Responded to concerns raised by Richard Burgon, stating disagreement with Labour on sentencing policies. Emphasised the importance of coordination and joint working between different arms of the justice system in monitoring terrorist offenders.

Insisted that Members keep their contributions brief to allow everyone a chance to speak. Reminded Members of the rules regarding statements.

Asked for more detail on rehabilitation measures for terrorist offenders while in prison, suggesting assertive management of dangerous prisoners might be necessary based on Acheson review recommendations.

Expressed sympathy to victims and praised emergency services. Criticised the lack of funding for deradicalisation programmes and called for sufficient funds to deal with preventive measures in prison, disagreeing with anonymous sources suggesting problems due to 'shocking influence of lawyers on policy'.

Commended the Lord Chancellor's actions regarding halfway-point issue in sentencing and urged consideration for measures like TPIMs post-release to manage risks effectively.

Asked about implementation of Ian Acheson's 69 recommendations on counter-terrorism. Highlighted concerns over the lack of full implementation of these recommendations.

Expressed concern over knife crime, including a tragic incident in her constituency where a constituent was fatally stabbed, and urged the Lord Chancellor to ensure police, prisons, and justice system have necessary resources.

Represented Streatham constituents in questioning the circumstances under which dangerous individuals could be automatically released from prison. Asked for assurance that measures would prevent future occurrences.

Asked about assessment of Prevent programme and plans to strengthen it within education system to address radicalisation at schools, colleges, and universities.

Questioned whether the introduction of TPIMs regime was a 'terrible decision' compared to control orders previously in place for counter-terrorism measures.

Asked about timing of emergency legislation proposed by the Lord Chancellor.

Asked the Minister about further legislation to prevent automatic early release of dangerous prisoners, questioning why such individuals were released despite posing a risk.

Explained that emergency legislation would end automatic early release at the halfway point for serving prisoners and highlighted that previous laws from the Labour Government dictated the current situation. He also addressed other MPs' concerns about retrospective measures, rehabilitation programmes, and judicial oversight.

Asked how seriously to take reports of a reformed character among Lee Rigby’s killers.

Welcomed the Lord Chancellor’s plans but questioned why measures were not incorporated earlier into existing legislation, advocating for timely and comprehensive legal changes.

Emphasised the importance of managing terrorist threats before conviction, during incarceration, and on release, urging consideration for tougher minimum sentences.

Critiqued automatic early release as inappropriate and called for actions to ensure that prisoners do not emerge more dangerous due to prison conditions being in crisis.

Sought assurances regarding the retrospective nature of the emergency legislation, invoking article 7 of the European convention on human rights.

Asked about the Government's knowledge and actions concerning individuals flagged as dangerous prior to their release and questioned measures for post-release monitoring.

Inquired whether there is a case for greater isolation of extremists from the general prison population while in prison.

Critiqued the decision to weaken control order regimes and sought review based on recent security incidents, proposing a return to stricter surveillance measures.

Emphasised the importance of human rights protecting everyone while stressing that they should not be used to enhance the rights of those wishing harm upon others. He noted that any legislation must prioritise public protection in relation to violent and terrorist offenders.

Raised concerns about the spike in hate crime following terrorist incidents, citing an example of anti-Islamic graffiti at a cultural centre in her constituency. She asked if legislation would provide reassurance to constituents against fear of physical or verbal abuse.

Acknowledged the issue raised by Eshalomi, highlighting that far-right terrorism is also a significant problem with about one-sixth of prison inmates being far-right extremists. He condemned hate crimes against mosques and vowed to work towards eliminating all forms of hate crime.

Asked the Lord Chancellor for a commitment to better cooperation between MAPPA and Prevent co-ordinators to reduce the risk posed by convicted terrorists to communities.

Announced that as part of recent measures, Jonathan Hall QC is leading a review of MAPPA provisions which will look into better cooperation between MAPPA and Prevent coordinators, addressing the concerns raised.