Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill - Clause 3 - Extent, commencement and short title

As Chair of the Committee stage, Rosie Winterton reminds Members about the scope of debates at Report and Third Reading stages. She mentions that during Report, the debate will focus on selected amendments, while at Third Reading, it will cover the entire Bill as amended.

[INTERVENTION] Christopher Chope asks about the timeline for producing guidance mentioned in Amendment 9. He also queries whether there will be opportunities for the House to comment on or influence the content of such guidance.

Stella Creasy supports new clause 1, arguing that it addresses concerns about reasonableness in public order offences. She emphasises the importance of ensuring that defendants cannot evade prosecution by claiming their actions were reasonable. She also advocates for consistency with existing harassment legislation and highlights the need to focus on perpetrators rather than victims' behaviour.

Emphasises that men are significant victims of sexual harassment, citing statistics from the Nursing Times and Diversity Dashboard. Argues for a balanced approach to addressing both victimisation of women and male perception issues in society.

Intervenes to suggest that the impact of harassment is not diminished by mistaken identity, using racial abuse as an analogy to argue that the intended offence remains regardless.

Asks Chope whether misgendering would cause less offence, asserting that sexual harassment causes significant harm irrespective of the gender involved.

Emphasised the importance of addressing public sexual harassment, citing statistics from Plan International UK indicating that three quarters of girls and young women aged 12 to 21 experienced sexual harassment. Highlighted the increased vulnerability for disabled women and those from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds. Mentioned a Girl Guides study revealing that 80% of girls and young women feel unsafe when out alone.

Reminded the House that they are discussing an amendment at Report stage, not wider issues. Advised Anneliese Dodds to wait for Third Reading if she wanted to discuss broader topics.

Supports new clause 1 and amendment 1, arguing that guidance is needed to clarify the reasonable conduct defence objectively. Recommends a draft consultation process for input from interested parties.

Intervened suggesting the production of draft guidance followed by consultations to ensure clarity and public feedback.

Argued for consistency with existing harassment legislation, suggesting that compiling existing guidance rather than creating new guidelines would maintain judicial clarity.

Intervened to raise concerns about the Mayor of London's advertisements and suggested addressing joint enterprise convictions to increase prison capacity.

This Bill reflects years of campaigning about a simple concept, clearly articulated by the right hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells: that misogyny is driving crimes against women and girls... The crime survey for England and Wales found there were 67,000 reports of hate crime based on gender between March 2015 and 018, and 57,000 of those were targeted at women. This police policy started in Nottinghamshire, under the leadership of Sue Fish... In doing so, we stand up for all those young men who do not want to see this behaviour, who do recognise that it is abuse and harassment...

Supports the Bill as it marks a turning point against normalising sexual harassment. She emphasises that not supporting such measures sends a message to women and girls that this behaviour is acceptable, which is unacceptable.

Acknowledges the Bill as an important addition to existing protective legislation in UK law. He expresses his support for it and highlights the Conservative government's history of enacting similar laws.

Supports the Bill, highlighting specific issues in her constituency as noted by Baroness Casey’s review. She urges for a review of the Metropolitan police's tri-borough policing model due to disparities in resourcing.

Speaks briefly to support the Bill as a man on behalf of his daughters and granddaughters, emphasising the need for their safety.

Welcomes the Bill and thanks her right hon. Friend for introducing it. She highlights local funding received to tackle violence against women and girls, underscoring the importance of such measures.

Pays tribute to a school group and charity for their work on empowering women and addressing harassment. He supports the Bill as an important step in recognising societal issues.

Supports the Bill but calls for a wider approach to addressing violence against women and girls, including making misogyny a hate crime and establishing specialist rape courts.

Concludes with brief remarks supporting the Bill as part of broader efforts to protect women and girls, citing previous legislative achievements in this area.