← Back to House of Commons Debates
Criminal Law
28 January 2020
Lead MP
Chris Philp
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Justice & CourtsForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Chris Philp raised concerns about criminal law 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
Moves to approve draft orders that will ensure serious violent and sexual offenders spend two thirds of their sentence in jail instead of half, aiming to protect the public and build confidence in the justice system. The change addresses public concerns regarding unduly lenient sentences for serious crimes and reflects a manifesto commitment.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Questions whether公众可以将这位发言人的讲话补充完整,确保使用的是英国英语拼写和术语。根据提供的内容,德斯蒙德·斯威恩爵士(新福尔斯西部)(保守党)表达了对现行判决制度的看法,并质疑为何不直接执行法院判处的全部刑期。
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Gratefully acknowledges the Minister's future legislative programme and inquires about the expected timeline for introducing Tony’s law and longer sentences for serious offenders, honouring victims of crimes like Tony Hudgell.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Proposes a refinement to ensure that prisoners receive clear sentences without misleading the public about their duration. He suggests adjusting sentences based on behaviour rather than reducing them, maintaining transparency and public confidence in sentencing decisions.
Shares a personal case involving a victim of serious crime who felt that justice was not served due to the perpetrator serving only half their sentence. Supports the proposed changes but urges solidarity for victims feeling under-served by current sentencing guidelines.
Inquires about the analysis conducted on the potential impact of the proposals on the prison population, including any additional prison places that might be required as a result.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Ms Daisy Cooper highlighted the concerns about increased prison overcrowding, costs and risks of reoffending due to extended sentences. She urged the Government to follow evidence-based approaches to reduce crime rather than implementing measures that might increase prisoner violence and reoffending.
Gareth Johnson
Con
unknown constituency
Mr Gareth Johnson welcomed the announcement, emphasising its importance for victims of crime. He sought assurances from the Minister about future steps in reforming sentencing laws to further address victim rights and justice.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Ms Wera Hobhouse acknowledged the need for justice but questioned whether there was sufficient focus on rehabilitation alongside tougher sentences. She requested details of how effective rehabilitation would be delivered within the prison system.
Victoria Prentis
Con
unknown constituency
Ms Victoria Prentis inquired about the effectiveness and staffing for new sex offender training programmes, Horizon and Kaizen, and sought assurances that they would be adequately resourced to cater for increased numbers of prisoners.
Kate Green
Lab
unknown constituency
Ms Kate Green asked about assessments made on reoffending rates among prisoners serving extended custodial sentences. She raised concerns over the effectiveness of longer prison terms compared to community rehabilitation in reducing crime.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
While the Labour Party would not oppose the technical instrument, they expressed concerns about the main order's effectiveness in protecting public safety and increasing confidence in the sentencing regime. They noted the Government’s failure to demonstrate why this change is necessary and highlighted issues such as cuts to police services, prison officer numbers, and the probation service under the current administration.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
She challenged Labour's stance on reoffending rates by pointing out that they were 70% for young males during the last Labour Government, implying a higher rate compared to the current situation.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
The Member detailed how cuts under the current government have led to a reduction in police officer numbers and under-resourced forces. He also pointed out that prosecution and conviction rates for serious offences, especially rape, had stalled or declined.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
He criticised the government's approach as a missed opportunity to address underlying issues affecting public safety and highlighted concerns about additional pressures on an already overstretched Prison and Probation Service. He also called for better funding and support for the probation service, ensuring respect and resource adequacy for the Parole Board.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Stressed the importance of providing victims with a sense of justice through meaningful and proportionate sentences. Highlighted concerns about the contradiction in defining serious sexual offences for double jeopardy versus sentencing purposes, urged the review of these laws to include all forms of child abuse as serious offences. Also called for better support services for survivors and investment in safeguarding measures upon release.
Bob Neill
Con
Supported the measure's objective but emphasised the need for investment in prisons and reformative efforts within them to reduce reoffending rates. Advocated for a balanced approach involving tough sentences, rehabilitation while incarcerated, and robust alternatives to custody for offenders.
Dehenna Davison
Con
Bishop Auckland
Emphasised the importance of sentencing for victims and their families, highlighting the need for sentences to be proportionate and deterrents against future crimes. Advocated ending automatic halfway release from prison for serious offenders and supported the Government's election promise to introduce tougher sentencing.
Dean Russell
Con
Watford
Supported the statutory instrument, arguing that giving criminals half their sentence is not sufficient and could undermine public trust in the justice system. He also emphasised the need for rehabilitation and pre-offending education to prevent crime.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Welcomed changes in the statutory instrument that address automatic release triggers, advocating for judicial discretion on dangerous offenders and the necessity of Parole Board involvement. Highlighted the importance of reducing reoffending rates among sex offenders and suggested making no-contact conditions part of licences automatic.
Bim Afolami
Con
Hitchin and Welwyn
Supports the statutory instrument for three main reasons: delivering on promises, public safety, and community cohesion. Emphasises that safe streets are necessary for a productive life and counters arguments suggesting less time in prison is safer. Acknowledges the need to improve prisoner rehabilitation but argues longer sentences prevent danger to the public.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Highlights that people feel unsafe due to violent crime and short sentences for offenders, expressing support for longer prison terms. Supports the recruitment of 20,000 more police officers and creation of 10,000 more prison places.
Wakefield
Shares experience from designing rehabilitation facilities in Pakistan for de-radicalisation. Believes long sentences are necessary for thorough assessment and rehabilitation of offenders, supporting the government's plan to provide more police officers and tougher sentencing.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
Welcomes measures to toughen the criminal justice system. Expresses concern about automatic release at halfway point for serious offenders and supports longer sentences as a necessary step towards rehabilitation, while acknowledging capacity issues.
Aaron Bell
Con
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Discusses the public's confidence in the judicial system, emphasising that most constituents do not support automatic early release for serious offenders. Supports the current changes as they align with the Conservative manifesto and strengthen public trust in political decision-making.
James Daly
Con
Bury North
Supports returning to pre-2003 sentencing practices, emphasising that there is no positive argument for maintaining automatic release at halfway through sentences for dangerous offenders. Argues it increases public protection and deterrent impact.
Tom Hunt
Lab
Ipswich
Raises a specific case from Ipswich to argue against early release for serious offenders, highlighting that early release can embolden criminals and undermine the justice system's credibility.
Rachel Maclean
Con
Heywood and Middleton
Supports the government's commitment to sentencing reforms and emphasises the importance of supporting charities that work towards rehabilitation. Advocates for changes in sentencing policy regarding driving crimes, citing personal experience with a related charity.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
The debate has been comprehensive and touching, with new Members making well-informed contributions. Chris Philp emphasised the government's commitment to provide additional investment of £2.75 billion for 10,000 extra prison places beyond those currently under construction, along with resources for refurbishment and security. He underscored that these measures are crucial for victims who expect offenders to serve longer sentences due to early release issues. Philp highlighted the importance of treating underlying issues like drug addiction, alcoholism, and mental health as causes of low-level repeat offending, advocating for more treatment alternatives. He also encouraged further discussion on extending determinate sentences in the upcoming White Paper process.
Government Response
Clarifies that today's regulations are part of an ongoing effort to address public concerns over lenient sentences for serious crimes. Explains the rationale behind shifting release points to two thirds of a sentence and commits to further examination via a sentencing White Paper and Bill later this year.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.