Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Unauthorised Encampments 2021-03-22

2021-03-22

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Kieran Mullan Con
Bexhill and Battle
▸ Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of unauthorised encampments on local communities in his constituency.
What steps her Department is taking to tackle unauthorised encampments. Through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, we aim to strengthen police powers for arrest and seizure of vehicles involved in causing damage, disruption, and distress.
Kit Malthouse
We are delivering on our manifesto commitment through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. This will strengthen police powers to arrest and seize vehicles of those causing damage, disruption, and distress from unauthorised encampments.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Ben Everitt
▸ Context
The MP highlights the Labour party's vote against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and questions their prioritisation of rights over law enforcement.
My hon. Friend will have noticed that last week, in voting against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, the Labour party also voted against giving the police the powers they need to act quickly and effectively against illegal Traveller encampments. Does my hon. Friend agree it is wrong to prioritise the rights of criminals?
Kit Malthouse
We balance the rights of Travellers to lead a nomadic life legally with property owners' and communities' right to live without distress. We introduce measures ensuring police have necessary powers to tackle illegal encampments, not tolerating law breaking.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on enforcement mechanism and timeline
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Kieran Mullan Con
Bexhill and Battle
▸ Context
The MP discusses a local business disrupted by an unauthorised encampment, seeking confirmation on the effectiveness of proposed laws.
I recently met a local business that was disrupted by an unauthorised encampment and subjected to harassment. Will my hon. Friend confirm our new laws aim to prevent such behaviour?
Kit Malthouse
My hon. Friend speaks the truth; we facilitate and help Travellers lead a nomadic lifestyle legally, but those crossing into illegality need to be dealt with efficiently through measures in the Bill.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or enforcement mechanism for new laws
Hedging Language
Response accuracy