Violence Reduction, Policing and Criminal Justice

Rosie Winterton Lab

Sheffield Central

Informs the House that Mr Speaker has selected amendments to be moved by Keir Starmer, Stephen Flynn, and Ed Davey. Advises colleagues of a likely five-minute time limit for speeches.

Yvette Cooper Lab

Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Ms Cooper criticises the Tory government for failing to address issues such as the cost of living crisis, NHS waiting lists, rising town centre crime, and serious violence. She highlights the instability in the Home Office with eight different Home Secretaries in less than eight years and criticises former Home Secretary Suella Braverman's actions that undermined police security and respect. She also discusses Labour’s proposals on tackling crime including knife crime and violence against women and girls, while condemning the government for not addressing spiking or stalking crimes sufficiently. She further emphasises the importance of national security, community safety, and unity in addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia. Ms Cooper addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and recognition of ICC jurisdiction.

Alex Chalk Con

Cheltenham

Emphasises the Government's progress in tackling violence against women and girls since 2010, including creating the offence of stalking, coercive and controlling behaviour, ending cross-examination by perpetrators, and introducing landmark legislation such as the Domestic Abuse Act. Additionally, mentions significant improvements to victims' rights and the rape review.

Yvette Cooper Lab

Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford

Corrects Alex Chalk on his history of introducing stalking law reforms, noting that Labour had initially proposed these amendments which were later taken up by Conservative Government in the other place.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Calls for the Department for Justice in Northern Ireland to follow suit on legislation tackling violence against women and girls, citing high murder rates involving intimate partners or family members since 2017.

Vicky Ford

Raises concern about potential terror threats from loss of civilian life in the Middle East, urging caution before calling for a full ceasefire in Israel-Palestine conflict.

Richard Graham

Advocates for addressing spiking through legislative updates to 1861 law, providing a clear definition and sending a message against this crime.

Jamie Stone Lib Dem

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

Highlights the issue of police vacancies in Scotland and calls for sharing of best practices to maintain community safety.

John Hayes Con

South Holland and The Deepings

Questions the approach regarding persistent offenders committing minor crimes that would not attract sentences over 12 months, seeking clarity on the policy stance.

Rupa Huq Lab

Ealing Central and Acton

Asks for clarification on temporary orders to protect women from intimidatory protests at abortion clinics, noting that such protections are not being enacted as intended.

Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op

Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Campaigns for a statutory definition of child criminal exploitation to protect girls from gang-related abuse and imprisonment, highlighting the current lack of such protections.

Maria Eagle Lab

Liverpool Garston

Calls for stronger public advocate proposals to be effective in providing support to victims during major incidents.

Julian Lewis Con

New Forest East

Raises concern about the policing of demonstrations, particularly regarding threats made against planned peaceful gatherings and their impact on freedom of assembly.

Rosie Winterton

Order. As soon as the Scottish National party spokesperson has sat down, I will impose a time limit of six minutes on speeches. It may go down from that, but we will see how we get on.

Alison Thewliss SNP

Glasgow Central

The MP highlighted several points including the need for closer engagement between UK and Scottish Governments on proposed anti-terrorism legislation, concerns about hate crime encouraged by government rhetoric, and praise for Scotland's success in reducing violent crime. She also discussed initiatives to address violence against women, youth intervention programmes, and drug policy reforms in Scotland. Additionally, she criticised the UK Government’s approach to drug laws and urged them to implement recommendations from a recent Home Affairs Committee report. The MP further emphasised the importance of advancing a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict and called for support for humanitarian pauses.

Bob Neill Con

Bexley Ilford South

Welcomed the Lord Chancellor's speech and addressed issues related to sentencing policy, public understanding of sentencing objectives, data collection for evidence-based policies, and the need for smarter sentencing. Emphasised the importance of rehabilitation and adequate staffing in prisons.

John Hayes Con

South Holland and The Deepings

Agreed with Bob Neill's view that recidivism is not solely caused by punishment but also due to other underlying issues, though noted the lack of decline in recidivism despite such views.

Rosie Winterton

Reminded John Hayes about proper intervention rules during debates.

Diana R. Johnson Lab

Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

Called for action on vetting police officers, specialist units for rape investigations, a spiking offence law, and addressed the draft Terrorism Protection of Premises Bill. Criticised the government's lack of response to the infected blood scandal and the King's Speech not addressing bread-and-butter issues such as NHS dentistry access and broadband connectivity.

Damian Green Con

Ashford

Supports most of the proposed Bills for safer streets, regretting the absence of social care reforms and a specific amendment. He emphasises the need for police numbers to increase and supports sentencing measures like longer prison terms for dangerous criminals and statutory aggravating factors for grooming gangs. However, he expresses skepticism about expanding warrantless entry powers for the police.

Imran Hussain Lab

Bradford East

Advocates for amendments to promote a foreign policy with morality and values at its heart, particularly in relation to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. He criticises the lack of action by the UK government on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire instead of brief pauses.

Michael Ellis Con

not specified constituency

Addressed the Jewish community's fears and concerns about antisemitism, highlighting the irony of a ceasefire amendment when other conflicts are ongoing. He argued that a ceasefire would play into the hands of terrorists and undermine community cohesion. Emphasised hope for peace through diplomatic relations between Israel and Muslim majority countries.

Maria Eagle Lab

Liverpool Garston

Discussed the long-term negative impact of the Hillsborough disaster on public trust in policing, calling for a 'Hillsborough law' to prevent similar situations. Emphasised the need for a statutory duty of candour and independent public advocates to support families affected by disasters.

Charles Walker Con

Cannock South

Mr. Walker expressed deep concern about the rise in antisemitic attacks in Britain, emphasising that no British citizen should be held accountable for the actions of a Government other than their own. He highlighted specific incidents and called for solidarity with the Jewish community.

Chris Stephens Lab

Glasgow Southside

Mr. Stephens discussed the justice system, highlighting work being done in Scotland to reduce youth violence. He condemned far-right thuggery and expressed disappointment in the lack of measures addressing food poverty and cost of living issues in the King's Speech. Mr. Stephens also raised concerns about a broken asylum system and called for action on infected blood scandal.

Dehenna Davison Con

Romford

Davison spoke about her personal experience of losing her father to a single-punch assault and highlighted the need for tougher sentencing guidelines in cases involving one-punch manslaughter. She welcomed the introduction of the Sentencing Bill and called for discussions with Justice Secretary and Under-Secretary of State for Justice on including specific minimum sentences that reflect the severity of such crimes.

Naseem Shah Lab

Bradford West

Shah urged immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the high death toll among civilians and calling for an end to hostilities. He emphasised the need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, referencing support from international agencies and organisations for these measures.

David Mundell Con

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

Commends the work of Spike Aware UK founded by Mandy and Colin Mackie in response to spiking incidents. Supports measures proposed in the Gracious Speech for tackling crime but notes that due to devolution, Scotland will not automatically benefit from these changes unless action is taken by the Scottish Government. Criticises SNP's record on policing, citing a 2007 promise to maintain police numbers which has failed to materialize over 16 years. Highlights specific issues in his constituency including fewer officers on the street and increased antisocial behaviour. Cites figures showing reduction in police numbers across Scotland's divisions since 2019. Urges Scottish Government to provide necessary resources for policing.

Michael Shanks Lab

Rutherglen

Mr Speaker, may I start by thanking you and all the staff of the House for the very warm welcome that I have received—and for all their help when I have so obviously become lost while moving around the building? I am glad that I chose a quiet political day on which to give my maiden speech. It is a pleasure to speak in this King’s Speech debate, and in a debate focused on improving our justice system. There is much that we can do not just to talk about being tough on crime, but to understand its root causes and tackle the underlying issues, not least the poverty of opportunity that leads so many into criminal activity. Before I qualified as a teacher, I spent several years working with young people involved in gangs and offending. They were not bad people; they were people often without hope that their lives could be anything more than what they currently experienced. When you lose hope, when your aspirations are limited by your experience, when you are unemployed or excluded from school, is it any wonder that a gang starts to seem like a reasonable option? I am glad that the police in England are learning from wonderful projects in Scotland, such as the violence reduction unit, which I did a lot of work with. The key to such preventative projects is to continue investing, not to cut and run when crime stats go down. Prevention absolutely works, but in order for it to work we have to keep on preventing.

John Hayes Con

South Holland and The Deepings

Emphasised the importance of upholding law and order, criticising those who shape criminal justice for being detached from public concerns. He highlighted that 95% of crimes in England and Wales go unpunished and criticised a two-tier justice system where cultural relativism determines what is investigated. He called for an end to excusing deviant behaviour and stressed the importance of punishing crime, protecting law-abiding citizens.

Jamie Stone Lib Dem

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

Congratulated a new MP on his maiden speech and expressed concern over severe weather affecting infrastructure in his constituency. He called for immediate action to address climate change and stressed the importance of revisiting decisions that affect pregnant mothers' access to healthcare. He also supported an amendment calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasised that Hamas should not dictate the future of the region.

Richard Graham Con

Gloucester

Supports the legislative programme outlined in the King’s Speech, which aims to reduce serious violence and violence against women and girls while raising confidence in policing and criminal justice. Emphasises the importance of defining spiking, updating the Offences against the Person Act 1861, and using new language to influence young people's behaviour positively. Acknowledges the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but argues that it is not an appropriate time for a ceasefire call as neither side intends to observe one.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

Criticises the constant changes in Housing Ministers, arguing that such instability hampers efforts to build necessary houses. Raises concerns over social housing shortages and poor conditions of temporary accommodation where many families are placed outside their home boroughs after eviction. Highlights a shocking statistic: 34 homeless children died between 2019 and 2021 due to unsafe sleeping environments, particularly a lack of cots for infants under two years old. Proposes building on non-green designated sites around train stations in London's grey belt as a solution to housing shortages.

Paul Holmes Con

Hamble Valley

The Conservative MP highlights the success of the Government in reducing crime over the past decade, with a reduction from 9.5 million recorded cases to 4.3 million today. He praises the Lord Chancellor’s approach to offering rehabilitation to offenders who would benefit while ensuring tougher sentences for those deserving longer jail terms. Holmes also emphasises the increase in police presence on the streets of Hampshire and the success in securing a new police station in Eastleigh town centre, focusing on local crime issues such as antisocial behaviour. He criticises Labour's lack of alternative vision and consistent opposition to government plans, and calls for fairer funding for Hampshire policing.

Dan Carden Lab

Liverpool Walton

The Labour MP criticises the King’s Speech for not addressing issues such as the cost of living crisis, housing crisis, and climate change. He points out that a loaf of bread is 20% more expensive than it was this time last year and highlights the rising mortgage rates and soaring rents, making it difficult for families to save for the future. Carden mentions the failure in tackling rough sleeping and the increase in dependency on fossil fuels despite promises made by the Government. He also expresses disappointment over the lack of attention given to his Care Supporters Bill, which aimed to ensure that caring for a loved one is not considered optional when someone is in hospital or a care home.

Tom Hunt Con

Ipswich

Welcomes the tougher sentencing for serious criminals, action on grooming gangs and illegal migration. Expresses concern over lower-level crime such as shop theft in Ipswich town centre which has increased to pre-COVID levels. Advocates for a zero-tolerance approach towards antisocial behaviour and crime in towns and criticises recent protests that displayed antisemitic posters during Remembrance Day weekend. Calls for immediate action against individuals spreading hate, emphasises the need to work cross-party to support destroying Hamas while minimizing loss of life.

Gerald Jones Lab

Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

Agrees with the Government that change is needed but disagrees that a fifth Tory term will achieve it. Criticises the lack of action on energy bills during the crisis, highlighting Britain’s high gas dependency compared to other western European countries. Addresses the decline in public confidence in policing and criminal justice system due to increased unsolved crimes, reduced police patrols, and fewer neighbourhood officers since 2015. Advocates for Labour's plan to restore neighbourhood policing with more local officers and PCSOs, focusing on antisocial behaviour and community safety. Highlights regional variance in fuel costs, calling for regulation to ensure fair prices across the country. Criticises the lack of legislation banning conversion therapy as an absolute betrayal of the LGBT+ community. Supports amendment on Middle East situation and calls for action against 'fire and rehire' practices used by companies during the pandemic.

Helen Hayes Lab

Dulwich and West Norwood

The Labour MP raised concerns about serious violence in her constituency, highlighting recent murders involving large knives known as 'Rambo' or 'zombie knives'. She criticised the Government for not introducing a ban on such weapons despite previous promises. Additionally, she addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire to stop the suffering and destruction in Gaza, while emphasising that this does not imply unilateral disarmament but rather a bilateral humanitarian pause predicated on hostage release and international peace talks.

Paul Beresford Con

Malmesbury

Mr Beresford expressed strong support for the Sentencing Bill, particularly regarding the sentences handed down to rapists and other serious sexual offenders. He called for all child sex abusers to be included in this category of criminals who should serve their full sentence without early release.

Afzal Khan Lab

Manchester Rusholme

Mr Khan spoke against the conflict between Israel and Palestine, criticising Israeli military actions that have resulted in significant civilian casualties. He demanded an immediate ceasefire to save lives and expressed concern over the Home Secretary's labelling of recent protests as 'hate marches'.

Steve Double Con

St Austell and Newquay

Mr Double supported the measures in the King’s Speech aimed at criminal justice and policing. He welcomed efforts to address drug, knife crime and antisocial behaviour, while highlighting the importance of ensuring that newly recruited police officers are visible on the front line. Mr Double also emphasised the need for police to focus on preventing and fighting crime rather than addressing gaps left by other public sector organisations.

Zarah Sultana Your Party

Coventry South

Sultana highlighted the failure of the King’s Speech to uphold international humanitarian law in relation to Israel's assault on Gaza. She cited specific cases, such as that of Yusof, a seven-year-old boy who died due to an airstrike and emphasised that Palestinian lives matter just as much as others. Sultana argued against the Government’s support for Israeli actions and called for an immediate ceasefire.

Neil Hudson Con

Epping Forest

Hudson spoke in favour of the King's Speech, praising its commitment to tougher sentences for criminals, better treatment of victims, and increased police presence. He also highlighted his support for animal welfare measures like banning live exports for fattening and slaughter, and tackling biosecurity issues such as avian influenza. Hudson expressed support for a range of Bills including those on transport connectivity, renters' rights, tobacco control, and football governance.

Ashley Dalton Lab

West Lancashire

I congratulated my hon. Friend the Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, then expressed disappointment in the Government's lack of ambition and action regarding home building, especially given soaring inflation, high energy bills, and a heavy tax burden. I emphasised the importance of finding a balance between green space and necessary construction, protecting farmers' land while meeting housing needs. In Skelmersdale, there is significant potential for development but it requires infrastructure improvements such as a new train station. I criticised the Government's levelling-up policies and their failure to deliver on promised projects. The King’s Speech offers few Bills compared to previous years, indicating a lack of confidence in governance.

David Simmonds Con

Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner

I welcomed the measures in the King's Speech aimed at updating laws for modern challenges. The Victims and Prisoners Bill aims to improve support for crime victims, especially women and girls. I highlighted Transport for London’s efforts to make public transport safer for women and girls following our lobbying. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill seeks to address online fraud and digital crimes, reflecting the shift from traditional robbery to scams and push-payment frauds. Lastly, I discussed ceasefire amendments in relation to Israel and Gaza, stressing the need to uphold international law and not support ceasefires that would undermine efforts against Hamas violence.

Sarah Dyke Lib Dem

Glastonbury and Somerton

The Liberal Democrats call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, advocate for a two-state solution, and emphasise the need for community-focused policing. They highlight issues such as low charge rates for burglary, lack of police officer availability, and the importance of training diverse officers. Additionally, Dyke discusses housing shortages, particularly in Somerset, advocating for new home developments that do not compromise environmental protections. She also addresses concerns related to business rates, Brexit impact on farmers, and calls for a general election.

Darren Henry

Emphasises the importance of policing and criminal justice system reforms in his constituency, Broxtowe. Supports tougher sentences for offenders as outlined in the Sentencing Bill, appreciates neighbourhood policing efforts, and supports measures to improve victim support through proposed Bills. Expresses disappointment over the absence of a mental health bill, advocating for mental health reform and improved services for veterans. Highlights the benefits of transferring military skills into civilian roles, especially within law enforcement.

Tan Dhesi Lab

Slough

The House should call for a negotiated ceasefire and the release of hostages, as neither side has agreed to an immediate cessation. Over 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, including more than 4,600 children. The amendment tabled by Labour calls for an end to violence, reaffirms the ICC's jurisdiction, demands Israel lift siege conditions allowing essential supplies into Gaza, guarantees that people displaced by conflict can return home and seeks an end to illegal settlements in the West Bank.

Louie French Con

Old Bexley and Sidcup

Welcomes the Government's commitment to keeping communities safe from crime, antisocial behaviour, terrorism and illegal migration. Supports measures including Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill, Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, recruitment of 20,000 extra police officers by March this year, £16.9 billion police settlement funding for PCCs to drive officer recruitment, tightening laws around zombie knives and supporting the use of stop and search as an important tool. Emphasises the need to restore confidence in policing and criminal justice system.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Expressed deep concern over the conflict in Gaza and Israel, highlighting human suffering due to military actions. Emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire rather than mere humanitarian pauses. Mentioned Plaid Cymru's motion in the Senedd calling for peace.

Paulette Hamilton Lab

Birmingham Erdington

Discussed issues of crime and antisocial behaviour in her constituency, particularly knife crime rates. Criticised police force cuts under the Conservative Government. Called for increased neighbourhood policing and town centre patrols as proposed by Labour. Opposed an SNP amendment due to division it causes.

Ian Byrne Lab

Liverpool West Derby

Addressed ongoing issues regarding accountability for the Hillsborough tragedy, including lack of legal duty of candour on public officials. Criticised Government’s draft Criminal Justice Bill and proposed a statutory duty of candour to ensure truthfulness from public authorities.

Grahame Morris Lab

Easington

I associate myself completely with the remarks of my good and hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Ian Byrne). I had not originally intended to speak in this debate, but given the appalling slaughter and suffering in the middle east and the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, I have to do so. As the Member of Parliament who brought forward the motion to recognise the state of Palestine, which was approved in the House on 13 October 2014, I am often a target for those who do not believe in peace or a two-state solution. In the context of the then Home Secretary’s sowing of division and hate, it is interesting that hon. Members have referred to Remembrance Sunday, when I was moved and overwhelmed by the words, some of which I would like to share, of the Roman Catholic priest Father Marc Lyden-Smith who spoke about peace being grounded in remembrance. The most powerful part of his sermon reminded us that Jesus said: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’. We can all work towards bringing about peace internationally and should vote for a ceasefire.

Owen Thompson

I start by congratulating the hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Michael Shanks) on his maiden speech. I was not going to get into this, but the hon. Member for Slough has prompted me to do so. He suggested that the SNP’s tabling an amendment on the principled position is somehow a political game, which is bizarre given our open approach. Our amendment was tabled last Wednesday—a week ago—and published last Thursday. I also thank him for confirming what many of us have suspected: the reason the Labour party often does not vote for SNP motions is simply that they are SNP motions. We put forward a principled position tonight in our amendment (h), which countless people in Midlothian have asked me to do so. When we get the chance to stand up and call on all men to tackle misogyny, it is important that we take that chance. I welcome the fact that the Government are introducing legislation to tackle this issue and call on everyone who wants to see an end to the conflict in Gaza to join us in voting for a ceasefire.

Rupa Huq Lab

Ealing Central and Acton

After 13 years of Tory austerity, what a thin King’s Speech it was from a Government who are out of touch and out of ideas. They promise change by wheeling out the Prime Minister who ran off after Brexit. Crime and antisocial behaviour need neighbourhood policing, but this gimmicky Government still have not restored to 2010 levels the officers they cut. Hate crime should not be on our streets, but sadly, events far off have triggered Islamophobic and antisemitic events nationally and even locally in the past month. With winter approaching, there should not be street homelessness and rough sleeping in one of the richest countries on earth in 2023. I back Labour’s amendment tonight demanding both the end of violence and a two-state solution, stressing the importance of international law, and condemning Hamas, illegal settlements and west bank violence. I have also put my name to amendment (b), which asks for some of the same stuff, including the release of hostages, condemns collective punishment, and urges the Government to press for a negotiated ceasefire that is binding on all sides.

Keir Mather Lab

Selby

Congratulates Michael Shanks on his maiden speech and criticises the Conservative Government for their lack of concrete plans, especially regarding crime. He highlights that under Labour's plan there would be 13,000 more officers and PCSOs, fast-tracked detective recruitment, and a return to proper neighbourhood policing with guaranteed patrols.

Claudia Webbe

Describes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. She calls for an immediate ceasefire and criticises the Government's refusal to acknowledge war crimes occurring in Gaza.

Layla Moran Lib Dem

Oxford West and Abingdon

Announces a personal tragedy affecting her family due to the conflict in Gaza, urging for an immediate bilateral ceasefire and expressing disappointment at the language used during the debate.

David Lammy Lab

Tottenham

Sent condolences to Layla Moran, praised Michael Shanks' maiden speech, discussed crime, imprisonment costs (£47,000 per prisoner), the need for shorter sentences, spiking as a growing issue in the UK, and the importance of moving forward with a statutory description. Also highlighted issues such as policing in Wales, knife crime, and the failure to ban certain knives.

Michael Shanks Lab

Rutherglen and Hamilton West

Delivered a thoughtful, humorous maiden speech filled with lived experience and fantastic Scottish history, indicating a promising career ahead in the House.

Robert Neill Con

Bromley and Chislehurst

Discussed the cost of imprisonment (£47,000 per prisoner), urged the Government to adopt Labour's position on shorter sentences.

Diana Johnson Lab Co-op

Kingston upon Hull North

Raised concerns about spiking and sexual exploitation as growing issues in the UK, emphasised the need for a statutory description.

Maria Eagle Lab

Garston and Halewood

Spoke about the long campaign for justice and a Hillsborough law, highlighting how painful it was that this measure did not find its way into the King’s Speech two and a half years later.

Ian Byrne Lab

Liverpool, West Derby

Joined Maria Eagle in speaking about the long campaign for justice and a Hillsborough law.

Gerald Jones Lab

Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney

Discussed policing issues in Wales.

Helen Hayes Lab Co-op

Dulwich and West Norwood

Addressed the issue of knife crime, pointing out the failure to ban certain knives such as Rambo and zombie knives.

Chris Philp Con

Croydon South

Minister congratulates Michael Shanks on his maiden speech and acknowledges the condolences for Layla Moran's family. He discusses the Government's record on police numbers, crime reduction, and legislation against violence against women and girls. The Minister also addresses specific questions regarding zombie knives, antisocial behaviour patrols, Hillsborough response, and Gaza situation. He emphasises continued work towards a two-state solution in the Middle East.

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Violence Reduction, Policing and Criminal Justice

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