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Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill - New Clause 98: Offence of pet theft
05 July 2021
Lead MP
Sarah Dines
Derbyshire Dales
Con
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Justice & Courts
Other Contributors: 53
At a Glance
Sarah Dines raised concerns about police, crime, sentencing and courts bill - new clause 98: offence of pet theft in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Sarah Dines
Con
Derbyshire Dales
Supports tougher sentences for convicted criminals and provisions addressing illegal encampments. She believes constituents want safer communities and supports the bill's provision to criminalise pet theft, believing it will provide protection for people in their homes.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Raises concerns about the bill's impact on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, arguing that the bill criminalises civil offences and punishes minor infractions with excessive penalties. She criticises comments made by other MPs as racist and urges the government to address issues through improved site provision rather than harsher laws.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Discusses new clauses unrelated to pet theft, focusing on abortion law reforms. His speech does not address the specific concerns of New Clause 98.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Addresses new clauses related to protest and buffer zones, which are unrelated to pet theft. His speech does not address the specific concerns of New Clause 98.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
Speaks in support of two amendments: one reviewing how registered sex offenders can change their identity without police knowledge, and another on abortion laws. She highlights the exploitation of current systems by offenders and the need for review to ensure public safety.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Supports amendment 47, which aims to protect all prison staff as emergency workers, not just prison officers. Cites a survey showing high levels of violence against educators and teachers in prisons. Urges the House to prioritise safety for all public servants.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Welcomes parts of the Bill but opposes new clauses 51 and 52 on illegal Traveller encampments due to inconvenience to constituents. Acknowledges controversy around protest clauses, supports new clause 90 for shop workers' protection, and suggests a look into new clause 85.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Supports the Bill, stating it delivers on promises to keep society safe while balancing with protestors' rights. Discusses extending reporting duties for police covenant and standardizing traffic offences and serious violence reduction orders.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
[INTERVENTION] Agrees that non-contact sexual offences should be promptly reported to ensure the Bill’s provisions can effectively address such issues.
Nickie Aiken
Lab
Cities of London and Westminster
[INTERVENTION] Asks whether human rights of protesters should be balanced with those of local residents, implying some concerns about the Bill's impact on both groups.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
[INTERVENTION] Requests to speak further but content not provided in the transcript.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Rother Valley
Rosie Winterton informed that a previous new clause would not be pressed to a vote due to commitments from the Government. She then announced that group two would start with Harriet Harman moving new clause 3, setting a four-minute limit for backbench contributions.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Matt Vickers stated that he did not wish to press the previous new clause to a vote due to commitments from the Government on addressing the issue during the Bill's passage.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Stockport
Ms. Winterton proposed amendments aimed at improving justice for victims of sexual crimes, enhancing protections during trials, collecting data to assess the impact of laws on accused and complainants, providing training for those involved in serious offences, and ensuring considerations are given for primary carers when determining sentences or bail. She presented arguments based on policy justifications, legal precedents, and the need for a balanced approach between protecting victims and upholding justice.
Bob Neill
Con
not specified
Disagrees with the fundamental approach of the amendments proposed by Ms Harman, arguing that substantive changes to criminal law should be carefully considered and reviewed by the Law Commission. He expresses concern about the balance between witness protection and the defendant's right to a fair trial, especially in cases involving consent. Neill also opposes changes that would limit judicial discretion on minimum sentences.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Supports new clause 89 to introduce a minimum sentence for rape, citing the trauma caused by such crimes and the inadequacy of current sentencing guidelines. Points out that only about two-thirds of rapists get more than seven years in prison despite research showing lower sentences compared to other jurisdictions.
Robert Goodwill
Con
Hindmarsh
Intervened by questioning David Lammy's position, highlighting that when Lammy was a Minister in the Department for Constitutional Affairs, Labour voted to reduce the proportion of sentences served by prisoners. He specifically mentions section 244 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 which reduced the time required to be served before release.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Argues that the current law regarding pet microchipping is ineffective if it does not mandate scanning. Raises concerns about stolen pets being sold without trace, and emphasises the emotional attachment people have towards their pets.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Expresses concern over potential additional burdens on veterinary clinics with new regulations.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Supports the amendments as they align with public values, addressing lenient sentencing for serious crimes. He also supports tackling pet theft to protect innocent victims.
Steve Brine
Constitutional
Winchester
Backs Iain Duncan Smith's amendments due to the significant increase in pet ownership and related cases during the pandemic, highlighting the need for legislative action.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Ms Stella Creasy criticises the Government for missing opportunities to improve the Bill through amendments. She supports amendments tabled by various MPs, including those related to women's rights and safety, but expresses concern that these are not being seriously considered. Ms Creasy urges Ministers to protect women from harassment during breastfeeding in public spaces, arguing that current laws do not adequately address this issue.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Amendments 48 and 49 would legally require the Parole Board to consult victims on decisions regarding prison transfers and release, improving access to special measures in court proceedings for victims of abuse, and restricting questioning about mental health records unless a defined threshold is met. She cites cases where survivors have faced reliving trauma due to inadequate notification systems.
While supporting the need for action on pet theft, Ruth Edwards does not support specific amendments at this stage as she feels a taskforce's recommendations should be considered first. She highlights concerns over classifying pet theft and sentencing issues.
Proposes new clauses 20 and 21 to address hit-and-run penalties and exceptional hardship pleas in road traffic offences, aiming to ensure sentences fit the crime. He cites cases like Ryan Saltern’s death and Christopher Gard’s repeated use of mobile phones while driving as examples where current laws fail victims.
Selaine Saxby
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
Ms Saxby highlighted growing concerns about pet theft, particularly dogs. She noted that while crime rates in Devon are low, there have been 256 reports of dog theft over three years with only two prosecutions. She emphasised the need for better reporting and prosecution to address this issue.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Ms Hobhouse critiqued the Bill's approach, arguing that longer sentences do not deter crime. She focused on the need to address violence against women and girls by making misogyny a hate crime. While she supported some aspects of the Bill like trauma-informed services and strengthening rehabilitation, she was concerned about measures such as serious violence reduction orders and restrictions on protest rights.
Tom Randall
Lab
Nottingham North
Mr Randall supported increased sentences for crimes but had reservations about the specific new clause 98. He acknowledged the rise in pet theft, citing videos and constituents' concerns. While he appreciated Nottinghamshire's initiative to appoint a dog theft lead officer, he was uncertain if introducing a lower sentence of four years would be progress. He also emphasised the importance of waiting for the taskforce’s recommendations before legislating.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Supports equality impact assessments, questioning the rationale behind higher penalties for damaging statues versus other property. Argues that protecting emotional harm and civil order is essential, especially in commemorating figures like Winston Churchill and Prophet Mohammed. Advocates recognition of differing sentiments.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Supports the Bill's aim to make communities safer but raises concerns about judicial interpretation of minimum sentences for particular offences. Emphasises need to protect public sector workers, retail staff and victims of pet theft while questioning opposition amendments that may water down requirements for rape sentencing.
Claudia Webbe
Lab
West Ham
Proposes new clause 54 to introduce an equality impact analysis of the bill, emphasising its disproportionate effect on minority ethnic communities. Raises concerns about existing disparities in police use of force and prison populations. Emphasises the need for a fairer criminal justice system.
Thurrock
Supports new clause 18 to amend the Bail Act 1976, aiming to prevent prison use as a last resort for vulnerable people. Advocates for repeal of court powers to remand adults into prisons for protection without conviction or sentencing.
Robert Buckland
Con
South Swindon
Reassures Jackie Doyle-Price that a review is being conducted and will report by the end of the year regarding the use of prisons for vulnerable individuals.
Wirral West
Supports clauses 105, 106, and 107 which extend sentences for violent offenders and child sex offenders. Emphasises the need to address unacceptable levels in rape prosecutions through new clause 89.
James Daly
Con
Ruislip-Northwood
Mr. Daly supports the new clauses, praising their aims and criticising opposition members for failing to support them earlier in Committee despite now advocating for similar measures.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Ms. Phillips questions whether resource issues might be behind the drop in prosecutions and seeks clarification on this point from Mr. Daly.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Mr. Tugendhat supports new clause 17, which aims to ensure that crimes of child abuse receive the same sentencing as if the victim could testify in court. He describes these offences as a complete betrayal and calls for immediate action from the Lord Chancellor.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Mr. Smith supports new clause 30, which aims to protect individuals from unwanted photography while breastfeeding in public spaces. He cites an incident involving his constituent Julia Cooper and expresses disappointment that the Government is not addressing this issue directly through legislation.
Mr. Baker supports new clause 76, proposing to increase penalties for dangerous driving from two years to five years imprisonment, and suggests the need for a more severe deterrent for those who evade police while in possession of firearms or drugs.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Ms Kim Johnson argues that the Bill is not tough on crime but rather restrictive of freedoms and civil liberties. She highlights the need for long overdue protections against violence towards women, including action against domestic homicide, rape and street harassment.
Eleanor Laing
Con
unknown constituency
Ms Eleanor Laing notes that several Members have removed their names from the debate list and calls for the Lord Chancellor to address the House. She does not provide a stance on the amendments or bill.
Robert Buckland
Con
South Swindon
Mr Buckland acknowledges the progress made in protecting women and girls from violence, highlighting key legislation passed by the government. He expresses concerns about Labour's proposals regarding rape sentencing, stating that they do not reflect the reality of current sentencing trends. Mr Buckland also discusses the need for careful consideration when amending sentencing laws to avoid creating new anomalies or discrepancies.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
[INTERVENTION] Mr Vickers asks Mr Buckland to confirm his commitment to bringing forward measures in the Bill to support retail workers.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
[INTERVENTION] Ms Phillips requests that the Justice Secretary place the terms of reference for his review into domestic homicide in the Library of the House, expressing frustration on behalf of families affected by such crimes.
Eleanor Laing
Con
South Thanet
Called for brevity in speeches due to time constraints, set a three-minute limit on Back-Bench speeches.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Moved that the Bill be read for the Third time. Emphasised the importance of supporting police, introducing tougher sentences for offenders, modernising the criminal justice system, protecting NHS workers, managing protests while respecting free speech, reforming pre-charge bail regimes, improving management of sex offenders and children in the justice system, making courts more accessible, and enhancing public safety.
Torfaen
Critiques the Bill's divisive nature, its failure to address women's safety issues, and provisions that limit protest rights. Highlights the importance of protecting frontline workers and addressing structural racism in the criminal justice system.
Emphasises the need for a balanced approach to the criminal justice system, acknowledging the Bill's efforts while advocating for holistic approaches involving police funding, court resources, and sentencing reform through existing laws.
Reiterates disappointment with lack of SNP representation on Second Reading. Criticises the Bill's curtailment of protest rights and criminalisation of Gypsy Traveller lifestyle, warning of its disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities and women.
Salford
Rebecca Long-Bailey criticises the Bill for undermining press freedom, racial discrimination, and restricting protest rights. She warns of potential authoritarianism if the Government continues with the Bill.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Gavin Robinson commends the Minister's willingness to listen but expresses concerns about the Bill, acknowledging reservations and encouraging consideration of new clauses 44 to 50. He supports Third Reading with reservations.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
Karin Smyth supports comments on legitimate protest rights and discusses amendments about air weapon safety, highlighting tragic incidents and the need for evidence-based policy changes.
Ian Levy supports the Bill's embedding of police covenant into law, praising it for supporting police officers. He also welcomes increased penalties for offences against emergency workers.
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