‘Revolt’ over move to fine the homeless
MINISTERS are facing a revolt from Conservative MPs over plans to criminalise homelessness in England and Wales, reports have suggested.
More than 40 Tory MPs are expected to revolt against plans in the Criminal Justice Bill which would allow the police to fine, jail or move on “nuisance” rough sleepers.
According to the Times newspaper, senior UK Government sources have said the Bill has been “paused” while ministers negotiate with MPs from both the left and right of the Tory party concerned about the plans.
Business minister Kevin Hollinrake, meanwhile, appeared reluctant to say whether he supported the Bill as it stands, telling broadcasters it was “not within my auspices”.
He also emphasised it was important the government used a raft of support measures to prevent rough sleeping and said he was interested to see what Rishi Sunak has planned.
Conservative former ministers Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Damian Green are among those who have signed a series of amendments to the Bill aimed at countering the drive to criminalise rough sleeping.
Measures tabled by Tory MP Bob
Blackman (Harrow East) would seek to ensure ministers fulfil their promise to repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824, the law which currently criminalises rough sleeping and begging.
The government promised to do so when it passed the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act in 2022, but only when it had found a suitable replacement.
Measures in the Criminal Justice Bill aim to provide this replacement, but are thought to be too widely drawn by the Tory rebels.
A second amendment from Mr Blackman aims to clarify when the police are able to use the new powers.
The amendment says police should be given guidance that “begging or sleeping rough does not in itself amount to unreasonable conduct”, and insists officers “should balance protection of the community with sensitivity to the problems that cause people to engage in begging or sleeping rough”.
The Bill was introduced to parliament by Suella Braverman – who controversially branded rough sleeping a “lifestyle choice” – when she was home secretary.