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Debate on the Address
17 May 2021
Lead MP
Priti Patel
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Children & Families
Other Contributors: 45
At a Glance
Priti Patel raised concerns about debate on the address 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
Protecting the public is the first duty of any Government, and from day one as Home Secretary it has been my No. 1 priority. The law-abiding majority deserves nothing less, and everything we ever do depends upon it: every time we walk down the street; every time we attend an event, a concert or a football match; each day when we send our children to school; and even when we are at home. Our democracy, our prosperity, our communities and our liberties all depend on an effective system of law and order.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Since becoming Home Secretary, the Government have made significant progress in protecting public safety by recruiting thousands more police officers, bringing forward landmark legislation to support domestic abuse victims, overhauling terrorist sentencing and monitoring systems, and taking back control of immigration. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is a cornerstone of this strategy, focusing on enhancing police protection and tackling serious violence through increased police powers, tougher penalties for assault on emergency workers, and a commitment to protect the rights of victims while ensuring that criminals face stringent punishment.
Asked Secretary of State Priti Patel to apologise for cutting nearly 22,000 police officers in the past.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Inquired about addressing the theft of pets that has turned violent in many communities through legislative reform within the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Suggested supporting the Our Streets Now campaign to criminalize public sexual harassment following Sarah Everard’s murder.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Asked for assurances regarding EU citizens' rights applications, especially concerning the deadline and protection from the hostile environment.
Inquired about reforming the Modern Slavery Act to include supply chains and investments within the context of tackling modern slavery.
It may be helpful for colleagues to know that there will initially be a time limit of five minutes on Back-Bench speeches but I would expect that to reduce in due course.
Torfaen
Condemned antisemitic abuse in London, praised frontline workers but criticised the Government for failing to provide fair pay rises. Discussed issues such as rising crime rates, cuts to youth services and mental health funding, police numbers plummeting since 2010, fire safety legislation post-Grenfell tragedy, parts of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that were supported by Labour but criticised measures against protest and unauthorised encampments as discriminatory. Addressed concerns about violence against women and the Home Office's mishandling of Windrush compensation scheme.
Challenged Nick Thomas-Symonds' claims, pointing out that his party opposed tougher sentencing measures and voted against them in the House. Questioned Labour’s support for frontline workers given their stance on sentencing reforms.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Welcomes aspects of the Queen's Speech, including measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. Supports stronger sentences for various offences but expresses deep concerns over proposed planning changes, particularly regarding local authority plans and development management policies. Raises issues about overriding residents' rights and inadequate commitments to local facilities. Calls for addressing leaseholder issues related to cladding.
Stuart McDonald
Lab
Glasgow South
The Queen’s Speech is more about protecting the Government than addressing public safety issues. It includes rolling back judicial review, clamping down on protest, and undermining civil liberties. The proposal to raise the standard of proof for asylum seekers above that set out in the refugee convention is deeply troubling. Furthermore, there is a failure to reform outdated drug laws which are causing harm to communities.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
The Queen’s Speech does not adequately address recovery from the pandemic. The public health border measures have been ineffective, with an estimated 10,000 people entering the country with COVID-19, accelerating the spread of the virus. There is a need for improved transparency and accountability in future decisions regarding border control. Concerns about domestic abuse prosecutions under the common assault system are raised along with a drop in criminal justice system cases despite an increase in recorded crime. The voter ID Bill could disenfranchise older women without driving licences, making it discriminatory. Social care workers, who have been on the frontline of this crisis, need to be valued and properly paid.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
The speaker expressed support for the Home Secretary's remarks on tackling antisemitic abuse, congratulated the new police and crime commissioner in Staffordshire, and raised concerns over the reduction of UK aid affecting programmes against modern slavery. She also discussed online harms and proposed measures to address Northern Ireland’s legacy issues, emphasising the need for cross-community support.
Hayes and Harlington
The speaker criticised the Queen's Speech for lacking substance and failing to address the impacts of austerity and the pandemic. He highlighted the failure to secure funding for the NHS, social care reform, affordable housing, poverty alleviation, climate change initiatives, and international aid. The speech was described as a disappointment that failed to provide hope or direction during a period of significant hardship.
The speaker welcomed the measures in the Queen's Speech concerning animal welfare and online safety while expressing concerns over planning reforms. He supported the proposed overhaul of the immigration system, emphasising fairness and efficiency, and advocated for safe legal routes for migrants and family reunification schemes. Additionally, he highlighted the need to address the situation of young migrants without formal status who were raised in the UK.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North
Paid tribute to the former police and crime commissioner for Humberside, Keith Hunter, who worked hard to develop the PCC role and reversed cuts in police numbers post-2010. Expressed concerns about antisocial behaviour in Hull's inner-city areas after a decade of austerity. Criticised Tory Ministers for blocking rail electrification and imposing deep public sector funding cuts on Hull. Suggested strengthening the Dormant Assets Bill to improve life chances, skills, and quality of life in deprived areas. Called for instituting a national health, social care and emergency services covenant similar to the armed forces covenant.
Bob Neill
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
Welcomed the return of the Environment Bill and called for swift action on air quality issues. Highlighted the importance of building safety legislation but urged for quicker resolution to help leaseholders trapped in buildings with Grenfell-type cladding. Stressed the need to build more homes while preserving democratic involvement from communities affected by new proposals. Advocated for a sophisticated and nuanced criminal justice system that protects public and encourages redemption for those who can change their lives.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Criticised the rhetoric of toughness in criminal justice, arguing that effective solutions often require difficult measures. Questioned the effectiveness of centrally driven targets for improving policing. Raised concerns about the emerging authoritarianism from this Government regarding protest rights and judicial review. Emphasised the importance of condemning antisemitic incidents while supporting Palestinian causes.
Councils have stepped up in the last year, delivering on various services but not rewarded for their efforts. Councils face resource and funding cuts, losing over £16 billion in core funding over a decade. Local government plays a crucial role in community safety and youth violence prevention but faces unmet needs due to delays from the Government.
Welcomes the Queen’s Speech but asks for investment in South Dorset, which ranks among the most deprived 10% in the country. Proposes a business plan with an ask of £250 million for infrastructure development in Weymouth and Portland. Concerns about police station closures affecting community safety, urges closure reversals. Calls for Government action on preventing former soldiers from being chased to the grave.
Condemns racism seen at the weekend towards Jewish citizens. Supports the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and the increased sentences for assaulting emergency workers. Praises local police efforts during lockdown. Congratulates Caroline Henry on her election as PCC for Nottinghamshire. Looks forward to working with Ben Bradley and Gedling Borough Council on high-quality bids for the levelling-up fund.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Deplored the loss of the employment Bill, criticised the online safety Bill for not addressing investment fraud, urged the Government to legislate against scams in the Online Safety Bill, and highlighted the importance of banning the purchase of weapons online.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Welcomed measures supporting policing and tackling rural crime, praised the Government's plans for animal welfare legislation including ending live exports and promoting high standards globally, urged the reinstatement of international aid to 0.7% of GNI, supported the Environment Bill, welcomed improvements in mental health support, connectivity, and education provisions.
Mitcham and Morden
Pointed out that the planning Bill will not achieve the Government's intention to build 300,000 properties each year without real effort on social housing, highlighted the increase in people living in temporary accommodation due to lack of social housing, suggested introducing a formal legal regulator for temporary accommodation.
Imran Ahmad Khan
Con
West Yorkshire
Welcomed the Queen’s Speech and its aims to support local communities and the most vulnerable through enhanced policing and justice system reforms, highlighted new legislation including tougher sentencing and victim rights, welcomed increased funding for police and recruitment of more officers.
Sara Britcliffe
Con
Hyndburn
Welcomed the new Conservative police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, thanked officers and staff for their work during the pandemic, highlighted the government's legislative programme focused on public safety. Raised concerns about self-funding through council tax affecting policing needs differently across areas of deprivation, and called for changes to reflect social and economic factors in funding formula. Suggested an amendment to Mental Health Act sections 135 and 136 to give police more flexibility.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Criticised the Queen’s Speech for rolling back democracy through voter ID plans, described it as an attempt to disenfranchise marginalized groups. Mentioned UN report on contemporary forms of racism and called out government's rollbacks in democracy such as proroguing Parliament and limiting court powers.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
Totnes
Defended voter ID plans, welcomed measures outlined in the Queen’s Speech, praised rail and bus reform White Paper. Spoke about post-16 education Bill enabling further education colleges to help people retrain and innovate. Welcomed procurement Bill aimed at saving taxpayers’ money and putting it where it needs to go effectively.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Challenged the Prime Minister's idea of 'levelling up', pointed out disparities in transport spending, school funding cuts, broadband speed issues. Criticised Queen’s Speech for failing to address central problems facing communities like Yorkshire.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Thank you for the work of the Home Secretary and Justice Secretary to make our streets safer, but there is a need to go further. The justice system should deliver justice for victims, especially in cases involving serious crimes such as rape and murder. At present, sentences do not reflect the severity of these crimes; for instance, those who sexually assault children under 13 can receive only six years with a range from four to nine years. There is widespread public support for increasing criminal sentencing across the board to ensure that victims get justice. The Government’s steps towards this are welcome but must be further strengthened.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
The Queen's Speech exhibits hostility towards democracy, with Bills such as the planning Bill shifting power from local government to developers, undermining civil rights and freedom of speech. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill aims to curtail free assembly and free speech, while the Borders Bill seeks to create two tiers of asylum seekers, with one having fewer rights than the other. These Bills are likely in breach of international law but the Government does not care about such constraints. There is also an omission of proposals for social care and no-fault evictions. This Queen's Speech represents bias, self-interest, neglect at the heart of government policy, and a trampling on civil liberties and constitutional rights.
Pontypridd
Expresses concern over the increase in violent crime and antisocial behaviour in her constituency. Criticises the lack of a multi-agency approach to support young people affected by the pandemic, urging for better regulation of social media platforms and more preventive services.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
Highlights the issue of county lines drug networks targeting vulnerable children in care. Urges for a national strategy to combat this problem, stressing the need for better funding for youth services and social support.
Miriam Cates
Con
Penistone and Stocksbridge
Welcomed measures to strengthen UK security protections and increase police funding. Supported the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill for harsher punishments on crimes, including antisocial behaviour. Advocated for age verification on pornography sites and family policy reform.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Critiqued parts of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill as overly restrictive on free expression and protest rights. Highlighted the need for visible community policing due to funding cuts over 10 years under Tory governments.
Thanked public services workers for their efforts during the pandemic and criticised the Government's lack of investment in these services, despite some welcome proposals like the online safety Bill. Raised concerns about antisocial behaviour and the effectiveness of community policing under current funding levels.
Expressed support for the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, praising measures to protect emergency service workers and tackle automatic release of violent offenders. Emphasised the importance of addressing rural crime issues such as speeding cars and fly-tipping.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
I congratulate Dr Alan Billings on his re-election as Labour’s South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner, praising the initiatives delivered to improve policing in the region. Against a backdrop of funding shortfalls since 2010, the number of police officers has fallen by 20,000, compared with an increase of 40,000 under the previous Labour Government. The current government’s target of recruiting 20,000 more officers is inadequate following a decade of severe underfunding and lack of strategy to tackle knife crime, which has risen by 50% since 2010. Initiatives such as Big Brother Burngreave in South Yorkshire have been vital but require further funding for early intervention schemes to save lives.
Welcoming the debate on safe streets, I urge the UK Government to ratify the Istanbul convention to prevent gender-based violence. I condemn raids by Home Office enforcement officers in Glasgow and call for an immediate halt to such practices that infringe basic human rights. The Queen’s Speech should address immigration and asylum issues with dignity and respect, as well as reforms needed in the justice system and tackling drug misuse.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Criticising cuts to police forces and emergency services under the Conservative government, I emphasise the need for investment in public services and justice systems. Highlighting an increase in deaths among black and minority ethnic people arrested or charged with crimes, I urge Ministers to address this discrimination. Expressing sympathy for families of Moyied Bashir and Mohamud Hassan, I question plans for prison privatisation and mental health support availability for prisoners, calling for urgent action to prevent such unacceptable death tolls.
Anne McLaughlin
SNP
Glasgow Pollok
Expressed deep concern over the UK Home Office's proposed policies, emphasising issues such as voter suppression, human rights violations for refugees and Gypsy Travellers, disparity in sentencing for historical versus modern slavery offences, and restrictions on peaceful protests. Criticised the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill for its harsh impact on marginalized communities. Also highlighted Scotland’s progressive measures like allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote and establishing a fund to prevent violence against women.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Critiqued the Home Secretary's failure to address rising crime through adequate policing, noting that despite promises of new police recruits, cuts from previous years have led to a net decrease in police numbers. Emphasised the direct correlation between reduced police funding and increased violent crimes across Greater Manchester, highlighting specific data such as a 116% increase in violent crime and a 26% reduction in suspects. Called for better funding for public services and community programmes to combat rising crime effectively.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Welcomed the Government’s commitments on tackling violence, particularly against women and girls, but stressed the importance of accurate data disaggregated by sex to understand the true impact of crimes. Criticised current police practices for recording suspects' gender identity instead of biological sex, arguing that this leads to unreliable data on crime patterns. Highlighted instances where misrecording has skewed statistics on female perpetrators in child sex abuse cases and attempted murder.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
The current system punishes victims of crime due to delays that were created by the Conservatives closing half of all courts in England and Wales between 2010-2019. Victims' rights have not been enshrined despite multiple promises from the Government. Labour has published its own Bill which the Government should work with to implement immediately, prioritising victims' rights over judicial review changes proposed by the Government.
Robert Buckland
Con
South Swindon
Paid tribute to public servants in the criminal justice system, highlighted contributions from various MPs and emphasised the Government's approach to law and order reforms. He stressed the importance of early years intervention and cross-governmental collaboration to address crime drivers. Emphasised measures such as increased funding for prison places, drug treatment support, and community sentence treatment requirements.
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