Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Death by Dangerous Driving (Sentencing)

21 July 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Theresa May Con Con

Crime & Law EnforcementJustice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Theresa May raised concerns about death by dangerous driving (sentencing) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mrs Theresa May argued that the current sentencing for causing death by dangerous driving is insufficient.
  • She cited cases involving Bryony Hollands and Violet-Grace Youens to illustrate inadequacies in justice due to lenient sentences.
  • Mrs May noted that 70% of consultation respondents supported increasing the maximum sentence from 14 years to life imprisonment.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Theresa May Con Con

Mrs Theresa May argued that the current sentencing for causing death by dangerous driving is insufficient and fails to reflect the severity of such crimes. She cited several tragic cases, including those involving Bryony Hollands and Violet-Grace Youens, where justice was not felt to have been adequately served due to lenient sentences. The Prime Minister underlined that 70% of respondents in a consultation supported increasing the maximum sentence from 14 years to life imprisonment. She proposed her Bill as a straightforward amendment to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, aiming to enable judges greater discretion for harsher sentencing where warranted.

Other contributors (1)
  • Theresa May Con

    Mrs Theresa May highlighted multiple cases of death by dangerous driving and the inadequacy of current sentences. She emphasised that while judges aim to reflect the seriousness of offences, their options are constrained by maximum sentence limits. The Bill would give judges more flexibility for severe sentencing but retains judicial discretion.

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