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Domestic Abuse Bill - Lords amendments and Government motions to disagree with certain amendments
15 April 2021
Lead MP
Victoria Atkins
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Crime & Law Enforcement
Other Contributors: 29
At a Glance
Victoria Atkins raised concerns about domestic abuse bill - lords amendments and government motions to disagree with certain amendments 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The lead MP moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 1, which seeks to strengthen protections for victims of domestic abuse. She outlines a series of Government motions to disagree with further Lords amendments that aim to amend specific clauses in the bill dealing with various aspects such as financial privilege and publication of intimate images.
Nigel Evans
Con
Constituency Unknown
He draws attention to the fact that Lords amendments 41 and 43 engage financial privilege. He will cause an entry into the Journal waiving Commons financial privilege if these amendments are agreed to.
Maria Miller
Con
Constituency Unknown
She thanks her hon. Friend for recognising problems around threats to publish intimate images and emphasises the need for an all-encompassing law in this area. She supports improving the current law on revenge pornography introduced by the Government but stresses that a wholesale review, such as part of the Law Commission’s review, is even more important.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Intervened to clarify that Category 3 of MAPPA already includes dangerous offenders regardless of the specific crime committed, suggesting that new statutory frameworks are not necessary.
Theresa May
Con
Walton
Theresa May expressed her tribute to Cheryl Gillan and acknowledged the efforts of all involved in bringing forth the Domestic Abuse Bill. She supports Lords amendment 34, which extends the offence of controlling and coercive behaviour beyond cohabitation. May acknowledges concerns about judge training but believes that it is important for the Lord Chief Justice and Judicial College to ensure proper training. She also discussed support for migrant victims, stating that systems already exist but there are those who fall through the net; she supports the Government's decision not to support amendments on this issue. Regarding data sharing, May mentioned HMICFRS recommendations and a super-complaints process introduced under the Policing and Crime Act 2017. On Lords amendment 42 about the register, May argued that simply putting somebody on a register does not provide protection; she suggested that information sharing between agencies is crucial but needs to be improved.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
During an intervention, Jess Phillips stated 'It won’t be the last,' likely referring to the use of the police super-complaints process that Theresa May had mentioned.
Stuart McDonald
SNP
Cumbernauld and Kilsyth
Mr McDonald argues that Lords amendment 40 would ensure that personal data shared by victims seeking help is not used against them for immigration purposes, providing much-needed reassurance. He also supports Lords amendment 41 to broaden the scope of support available to domestic abuse victims beyond those on spouse visas.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Cooper supports Lords amendment 42 to add convicted serial domestic abusers and stalkers to the high-risk offenders register. She argues that the current system is not working properly as repeat offenders are not being assessed and managed effectively, despite their high risk status. She cites several cases where women were murdered by perpetrators with a history of abuse but who were not on the high-risk offenders register. Cooper criticises the Government's objections to the amendment and urges them to think again.
Bob Neill
Con
Bristol North West
Neill supports the overall Bill but opposes Lords amendment 33, which pertains to judicial training, arguing that it is not necessary for primary legislation as judges and magistrates are already receiving comprehensive training. He also opposes Lords amendments 37 and 38, which relate to reasonable force as a defence in domestic abuse cases, stating that these provisions are unnecessary due to existing criminal law allowing defendants to raise full or partial defences.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Furniss welcomes Lords amendment 40, which aims to reassure victims that data shared with authorities will not be used for immigration control purposes. She also supports Lords amendment 41, which guarantees victims of domestic abuse a route towards indefinite leave to remain and access to vital services, emphasising the moral and international responsibilities of ensuring equal protection regardless of migrant status.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
I support the Bill's progress but believe it can still be strengthened. I advocate for Lords amendment 42, which proposes monitoring serious and serial perpetrators of domestic abuse and stalking. The current Government’s alternative does not go far enough in providing protection from repeat offenders.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
I support Lords amendment 35, recognising the psychological impact of threatening to share intimate images. The provision will help victims who face dishonour threats in communities where honour plays a significant role. I also agree with improving MAPPA and information-sharing processes but am open to exploring non-legislative means.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Supports Lords amendments 1 to 3 and others, highlighting that disabled women are twice as likely as their non-disabled counterparts to experience abuse. Emphasises the need for legal changes to recognise carer-perpetrated abuse in domestic settings. Also argues for migrant victims' rights under amendment 41.
Fay Jones
Lab
Clwyd West
She paid tribute to Dame Cheryl Gillan and praised the Domestic Abuse Bill for empowering victims, communities, and professionals. She supported the Government's efforts in supporting migrant victims through the scheme delivered by Southall Black Sisters. Fay Jones also raised concerns about cyber-flashing and highlighted Ruth Dodsworth’s case as an example of long-term abuse. She emphasised the importance of acknowledging that domestic abuse can occur even when victims put on a 'smile' for work. Additionally, she commended Powys County Council's children’s services for their support of child victims during the pandemic.
Laura Farris
Con
Crawley
She paid tribute to Dame Cheryl Gillan and supported the evolution of the Bill into significant law on sexual violence. Laura emphasised that the Bill provides protection against sexual violence irrespective of relationship status, mentioning revenge porn, non-fatal strangulation, and prohibition on the rough sex defence. She highlighted testimonies from campaign groups like We Can’t Consent To This and Everyone’s Invited to illustrate the need for these protections. Additionally, she raised concerns about judicial training regarding non-fatal strangulation cases.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Supports the Lords amendments to address cultural issues, socioeconomic context, victims with complex needs, those without recourse to public funds, and practical implementation of the Bill. Emphasises the need for a cultural change and equality in society.
Praises the extension of domestic abuse definition to include coercive and controlling behaviour, and the inclusion of children as those who suffer. Highlights the long-lasting effects of childhood exposure to such abuse on health and wellbeing outcomes.
Supports Lords amendments 40, 41, 43, 47, and 48. Argues for the need to allow immigrants without leave to remain in the UK to safely report domestic abuse and receive temporary leave to remain and access to public funds.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
Supports Lords amendment 35 and acknowledges that threats to share private intimate images are prevalent, affecting one in seven women. Urges the Minister to include this message in online harms legislation and sex education curricula. Also supports Lords amendment 36 on non-fatal strangulation, calling for better education of young people about the unlawfulness of such acts.
Pontypridd
Alex Davies-Jones supports Lords amendment 42, which calls for a comprehensive perpetrator strategy within one year of the Bill being passed. She emphasises the need to identify and manage perpetrators effectively through data collection. She argues that without accurate data on domestic abuse cases involving known perpetrators, many cases will continue to fall through the net. Davies-Jones highlights the shame in living in a country where women are killed by partners or ex-partners every three days and stresses the importance of a multi-agency approach to managing risk. She also pays tribute to campaigners such as Laura Richards who have fought for legislation covering monitoring arrangements for serial abusers.
Sara Britcliffe acknowledges the importance of the Domestic Abuse Bill and its potential to transform millions of lives. She supports amendments such as Lords amendments 36 and 35, which address revenge porn and sharing private images. Britcliffe discusses her local victim support services in Hyndburn, highlighting the harrowing stories she has heard about domestic abuse exacerbated by the pandemic. She reinforces the rights of victims and highlights the importance of addressing emotional and coercive abuse. Britcliffe expresses pride in cross-party support for the Bill.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Supports Lords amendments for protection of migrant victims. Raises concerns about increased risk of abuse due to immigration status, lack of support services, and potential data collection risks that discourage victims from seeking help. Emphasises the importance of recognising migrant women's experiences without suspicion and restricting information sharing with immigration enforcement.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Honoured former colleagues in his speech. Emphasised the importance of the Domestic Abuse Bill, recognising improvements made to it. Advocated for more male voices speaking on the issue and warned against including issues outside the scope of the bill. Highlighted amendments such as Lords amendment 36 on non-fatal strangulation, the ban on rough sex defence, and protections for children and victims after perpetrators leave. Praised the reopening of consultation following Sarah Everard's death. Asked the Minister to confirm plans for pilot projects on immigration status protection and mentioned a separate register for serial offenders based on Hollie Gazzard’s tragic case.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Welcomed Government support for Lords amendment 32 aimed at reducing coercive control and vexatious activities in family courts. Raised concerns about monitoring of offenders through MAPPA, citing that only 0.4% of cases fall into category 3 and questioned the effectiveness of data sharing as a solution after years of austerity. Emphasised the need for clarity on how updated information-sharing powers will interact with devolved services in Wales, particularly in education and housing. Called for reporting back to the House on monitoring offenders through MAPPA and evaluating its effectiveness. Supported protections for migrant women victims of domestic abuse, highlighting barriers they face under current asylum system.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Supported the Bill as an opportunity to make a difference for domestic abuse victims. Highlighted local partnership efforts in his constituency led by councils, police, and NHS to improve victim support through training staff to identify signs of risk and support people effectively. Urged Ministers to ensure appropriate resourcing across multiple Departments for refuge space and perpetrator programmes. Called for clear guidance on safeguarding from the Department for Education to include organisations like schools as statutory partners.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Supports Lords amendment 41, arguing it tackles perpetrator immunity and ensures protection for migrant victims. Cites statistics showing limited access to refuge vacancies due to housing benefit restrictions. Emphasises the need to address the climate of impunity that allows perpetrators to threaten deportation as a control tactic.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports Lords amendment 39, which prohibits charging for medical evidence of domestic abuse. Emphasises the importance of not putting victims in a position where they cannot access legal aid due to financial constraints. Highlights the need for legal aid funding as it has been cut by 41% in real terms while cases have increased by 49%. Advocates for protections against abusers coming within specified distances of places like workplaces and religious institutions, noting that these are often sites where victims feel safe but may be intimidated. Expresses concern over revenge porn and supports the clarification that threatening to release personal images is not acceptable.
Mark Tami
Lab
Alyn and Deeside
Intervenes to ask Jim Shannon whether it is important for the police to look at patterns of behaviour rather than isolated incidents, highlighting that understanding patterns can be crucial in identifying domestic abuse.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Victoria Atkins emphasises that the Bill is an important milestone in combating domestic abuse, acknowledging contributions from various Members. She clarifies concerns about consent for non-fatal strangulation and commits to improving the management of perpetrators through enhanced funding and statutory guidance updates.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Jess Phillips expresses concern over relying solely on faith for judicial training improvements, questioning if there will be a monitoring process to evaluate the effectiveness of these changes.
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