Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Debate

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Department: Home Office
James Daly Portrait James Daly
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No, I will not.

I am rather curious. We have heard comments from Opposition Members that they support heavier sentences and further action being taken, quite rightly, to protect the victims of serious sexual violence, so why in Committee did they vote against what was then clause 106—the clause that will abolish the automatic halfway release for certain serious violent or sexual offenders? We have a Leader of the Opposition with a terrible record of leading the CPS, and we have an Opposition who have recently voted against more serious sentences and more deterrent sentences.

Alex Cunningham Portrait Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab)
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Not against rape sentences.

James Daly Portrait James Daly
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I have been absolutely amazed by the comments of some Opposition Members that deterrent sentences do not work. The point of the Bill—and the point of the responsibilities that my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has—is to increase sentences and increase public confidence in the justice system. That is exactly what he is doing.

Alex Cunningham Portrait Alex Cunningham
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What about rape—