Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

David Crausby Excerpts
Tuesday 28th June 2011

(13 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Herbert of South Downs Portrait Nick Herbert
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I share my hon. Friend’s concern. We should all agree that it is wholly unacceptable for people to swear at police officers. Whatever the merits of that guidance or the legal position, we should stand by our police officers in the job that they do. They should not have to expect that kind of treatment.

David Crausby Portrait Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East) (Lab)
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Last December the Justice Secretary promised me that he would consider reviewing the maximum sentence for dangerous driving, which currently stands at two years regardless of the severity of the injury caused, short of death. It might well be against his liberal instincts to increase tariffs, but what progress has he made?

Crispin Blunt Portrait Mr Blunt
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The hon. Gentleman may know that his hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull East (Karl Turner) secured an Adjournment debate on that subject. We are considering it, and will look at ways of doing it without having to legislate, if possible. We are considering what sanctions are available to us, and I am in discussion with the Solicitor-General and the Attorney-General to see how we can deliver the objective that we both share.