The Offensive Weapons Bill is due its second reading in the @UKHouseofLords this afternoon. Listen to the debate here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/16… and read our briefing here: scyj.org.uk/wp-content/upl… #youthjustice #knifecrime
Lord Paddick, Liberal Democrats questions whether the proposed law on corrosive substance possession - which removes requirement of intent to cause harm - is being introduced because govt believes it will be effective, or because they "just want to be seen to be doing something"
Lord Paddick goes on to discuss harm and ineffectiveness of short sentences. Watch here: goo.gl/qFBDQK #offensiveweaponsbill #youthjustice #knifecrime
Lord Ramsbotham uses his speech to focus on how the measures in the Bill will impact children, noting the lack of such discussion in the @HouseofCommons. Watch here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/16…
He highlights the contradiction of MoJ and Home Office policy: the Justice Secretary has stated he is against ineffective short sentences, while the Home Secretary's Offensive Weapons Bill creates more of just such sentences. Goes on to highlight damage of custody for children.
Lord Ramsbotham thanks Standing Committee for Youth Justice, Prison Reform Trust @PRTuk & Junior Smart, @StGilesTrustPRS for our briefings on the Bill. He outlines how short custodial sentences and criminal records disrupt lives, prevent children from moving away from violence
Lord Lucas supports Lord Paddick on the issue of tilting the burden of proof towards the public by removing the need to prove intent to cause injury for an offence to be committed - states we are criminalising children we should not be.
The Earl of Listowel also supports Lord Paddick's comments and raises concerns over short custodial sentences particularly for children and young adults. Argues for the need to strengthen provision of youth services, and increase support for those up to the age of 21.
Lord Storey reminds Peers that it costs over twice as much to keep a child in custody for a year as it does to fund a youth worker. Discusses need to provide positive alternatives to violence for children #youthjustice #youthwork #children
