Age of Criminal Responsibility

Lord Keen of Elie Excerpts

Wednesday 21st January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Levitt (Lab)]

I thank the right reverend Prelate. I think it is from 15 to 13.

[Lord Keen of Elie (Con)]

My Lords, as has already been noted, until just a few years ago, the age of criminal responsibility in Scotland was eight. In the last three or four years, it has been raised from eight to 12. Does the Minister agree that before we take any further steps with regard to the age of responsibility in England, it would be appropriate to examine and analyse the impact of the changes on policing, crime prevention and public safety in Scotland which have emerged since the change in the age of criminal responsibility there almost four years ago?

[Baroness Levitt (Lab)]

I say to the noble and learned Lord that the Government keep all these matters under review.