Contributions
399 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPolice, Prison and Probation OfficersNeighbourhood policing is the bedrock of British policing, and it is the right model for us. We lost 20,000 police officers under the last Government, but we expect up to an…13 May 2025HANSARDPolice, Prison and Probation OfficersI am pleased to know that we have a race action plan that we are working with police constables; it is really important that we recruit fantastic people and make sure that we…13 May 2025HANSARDProtection of Prison StaffLike all noble Lords, I was shocked to hear about the serious assaults against prison officers at HMP Belmarsh and HMP Frankland. It is a sorry state of affairs. We will not…13 May 2025HANSARDProtection of Prison StaffI share the right reverend Prelate’s interest in prison officer training. When I did my review into their training, it was clear that the period in which they have to learn the…13 May 2025HANSARDProtection of Prison StaffMy noble friend is right that the best way to de-escalate a problem in a prison is by jail craft—understanding the complexities and knowing your prisoners. If we look at the tools…13 May 2025HANSARDProtection of Prison StaffThe noble Lord is right that drugs are a massive problem in our prisons. Some 49% of people arriving in prison tell us they are addicted to drugs, and then we put them in a prison…13 May 2025HANSARDProtection of Prison StaffAny gang member is a problem in our prisons. We need to make sure that we identify where they are and do all that we can to limit their activities. We know that the best way of…13 May 2025HANSARDPolice, Prison and Probation OfficersWe are a Government of action and I am a Minister of action, and I am already getting going. For me, it is really important that we have had the Independent Sentencing Review,…13 May 2025HANSARDPolice, Prison and Probation OfficersI know that noble Lords will join me in paying tribute to the amazing work of police, prison and probation officers, and to the importance of our recognised trade unions in…13 May 2025HANSARDPolice, Prison and Probation OfficersI will pass that question on to the Northern Ireland Secretary responsible for legacy issues and write to the noble Baroness.13 May 2025HANSARDSentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) BillI will very happily write. As noble Lords are aware, I am not an expert on the finer details of the law, so that would actually help me as well. I beg to move.07 May 2025HANSARDSentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) BillI start my closing speech by paying tribute to the noble and learned Lord Etherton. Being relatively new to this place, I never got to know him, but it is clear how much he was…07 May 2025HANSARDSentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) BillThat the Bill be now read a second time.07 May 2025HANSARDSentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) BillMy Lords, I want to extend my thanks to the many noble Lords who have already contributed to debates in this House on this matter, which have provided me and the Government with…07 May 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesI thank the noble and learned Lord for his wise words, and for recognising that we could all do with a quiet period. We are all looking forward to the Recess in 48 hours’ time.02 Apr 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesThe Lord Chancellor has been clear about her concerns since the guidelines were published: that they risk differential treatment before the law. We asked the Sentencing Council to…02 Apr 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesI thank my noble friend for the question. There is no doubt that more must be done to address inequality in the justice system, and the Lord Chancellor has commissioned a full…02 Apr 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesThe noble and learned Lord is right to say that the Sentencing Council plays an important role in ensuring transparency and consistency in sentencing guidelines but I will not…02 Apr 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesNothing in the Bill prevents judges requesting a pre-sentence report for pregnant women—it is normal practice for judges to request pre-sentence reports in cases involving…02 Apr 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesI thank my noble friend for the question. I am sure he is aware that I am not an expert on Scottish law, as I know some other noble and noble and learned Lords are. However, our…02 Apr 2025