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Domestic Abuse Bill - Lords amendment 9B and related amendments
26 April 2021
Lead MP
Victoria Atkins
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Crime & Law Enforcement
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Victoria Atkins raised concerns about domestic abuse bill - lords amendment 9b and related amendments in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister moved to disagree with Lords amendment 9B, which seeks to include serial domestic abusers and high-harm stalkers in the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). She proposed Government amendments (a) to (g) in lieu that aim to address concerns about repeat domestic abuse cases and stalking without fully incorporating them into MAPPA categories 1 or 2, which are reserved for serious offenders. The Minister acknowledged Baroness Williams' efforts but defended the government's approach as a balance between safeguarding measures and flexibility.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Questioned the Minister's approach to including repeat domestic abusers and high-harm stalkers under MAPPA categories 1 or 2. Emphasised that the current proposals would exclude numerous serious cases, thus going backwards on addressing repeat domestic abuse. She sought assurances that all convicted serial domestic abusers will be included in category 3.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Acknowledged the Minister's work but emphasised the need for full inclusion of repeat domestic abuse cases and high-harm stalkers under MAPPA. Raised concerns about poor practices at child contact centres, lack of clarity on who reviews codes, breach procedures, and resource constraints affecting frontline workers' ability to monitor perpetrators effectively.
Stuart McDonald
SNP
Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East
Mr. McDonald opposes the Government's amendments in lieu of Lords amendments 40B and 40C on data sharing for immigration purposes, arguing that they create power without an obligation and limit Parliament’s ability to amend any code. He also criticises the Government's rejection of Lord Bishop of Gloucester’s amendment on the domestic violence rule and concession.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Ms. Creasy supports the inclusion of amendments to ensure protection for victims of domestic abuse regardless of their immigration status. She questions the conditions under which a person's immigration status should affect access to help and emphasises the importance of identifying past behaviour in guidance documents.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Welcomes the Minister’s commitment to a perpetrators strategy but expresses concern about its scope and clarity. Highlights that while the strategy will cover domestic abuse threats included in categories 1 and 2, it does not include thousands of repeat perpetrators of domestic abuse or stalkers who would fall outside these categories.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
Supports Yvette Cooper and other Labour MPs in their concerns about the lack of legislation on serial abusers and perpetrators. Emphasises that without defined legislation, it will be difficult to hold the Government accountable for action against such offenders.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Expresses frustration at not being able to cross the final line on achieving what they want from the Bill. Concerned about the vulnerability of migrant women and feels that waiting for a stalker or serial domestic abuser to get a conviction is too late.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights concerns on identification, monitoring, and management of serial domestic abuse and stalking perpetrators. Supports the Lords amendment as it brings clarity and offers greater support to victims.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Clarifies concerns about MAPPA categories, emphasising professional judgment in risk assessment. Supports Clare's law as a tool for victims and police to use. Outlines future work on VAWG strategy and dedicated national strategy on domestic abuse.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Asks for clarification regarding inclusion of repeat domestic abusers in MAPPA category 3 through guidance changes. Expresses concern over clarity and assurance that all high-risk offenders will be included.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expresses support for the Minister's comments on helping victims of domestic abuse, mentioning personal experience with constituents facing perpetrators in their offices. Emphasises the need to help victims quickly.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham, Yardley
Questions the code regarding the firewall review and seeks accountability measures for data protection. Seeks comfort in Minister's response about consultation with Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Information Commissioner’s Office.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Supports Clare's law as an important tool for victims and police, highlighting its significance in spreading awareness about potential risks in new relationships.
Shadow Response
Yvette Cooper
Shadow Response
Expressed concerns over the Minister's approach to including repeat domestic abusers in MAPPA categories, highlighting that current proposals would exclude numerous serious cases. Sought assurances for full inclusion of all convicted serial domestic abusers under category 3.
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