Clampdown could be law by Christmas

A NEW crackdown on stalkers could become law by Christmas – if Theresa May would only give it an HOUR of her time.

The Stalking Protection Bill, by MP Sarah Wollaston, would introduce a stalker register and give police powers for protection orders banning contact with victims and their families.

A breach of an SPO would lead to a jail sentence of up to five years.

Dr Wollaston, MP for Totnes, Devon, and chairwoman of the Commons health committee, has Government support for her proposals. But she fears turning it into law might be held up until next year if the Prime Minister does not make time for it because it will be squeezed out by Brexit legislation.

The stalker bill will pass its final Commons stages in November then be put through the Lords by ex-pm David Cameron’s former spin doctor, Baroness Gabby Bertin. Peers are expected to nod it through as most think it’s a good idea. But there is no Commons timetable for it to become law. Sixty minutes are all that is needed.

Dr Wollaston said: “It’s now just a question of timing. All we need is an hour of Government time to get it through.

“It would be great to have this on the statute book by the end of the year.

“It’s not controversial but it needs to get through before the Brexit avalanche begins.”

Under the law today, if the offender is a victim’s partner, or former partner, police can use domestic violence protection orders to curb their behaviour.

SPOS would plug the gap in the law for offences where strangers are involved.