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Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
05 October 2020
Lead MP
Lee Anderson
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementJustice & CourtsChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Lee Anderson raised concerns about unduly lenient sentence scheme 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 MP for Ashfield highlighted the importance of the unduly lenient sentence scheme in ensuring that criminals who receive unjustly light sentences serve time commensurate with their crimes. He praised recent government initiatives to extend the eligibility of this scheme and noted cases where it had successfully increased the severity of sentences for violent and sexual offences, such as rape and child abuse. However, he expressed concern over public confidence in sentencing and called for further expansion of the scheme's scope to cover more crimes involving death and additional sexual offences.
Order was given by Rosie Winterton to clarify procedural rules, reminding Lee Anderson that when an Adjournment debate starts before 10 o'clock, the motion must be moved again.
Government Response
The Minister praised the unduly lenient sentence scheme and its importance in ensuring justice for victims of serious crimes. He highlighted the recent extension of the scheme to include a range of additional offences, such as stalking, harassment, and child sexual offences involving indecent images. The Minister provided examples of cases where sentences were successfully increased due to the scheme’s intervention, including the case of Haitch Macklin, who was sentenced to four years instead of 20 months for making indecent images of children. He emphasised that the government is committed to furthering public confidence in sentencing through legislative measures proposed in the sentencing White Paper.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.