Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Nia Griffith Excerpts
Tuesday 22nd November 2022

(2 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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I will indeed. I take this extremely seriously, as my hon. Friend knows. This is the first time that we have had two consecutive urgent notifications about the same prison. The Department will come forward with a full action plan within 28 days. As he rightly says, this is a very serious matter.

Nia Griffith Portrait Dame Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab)
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My constituents Mr and Mrs Amner sustained horrific, life-changing injuries when their motorbike was hit by a car driver under the influence of drugs overtaking a van. They are understandably extremely distressed that while they will live with the consequences of that accident for the rest of their lives, the perpetrator was sentenced to just 30 months. As the Secretary of State will know, although there has been a recent consultation on sentencing, the guideline sentence cannot be raised above five years without primary legislation. Has he any plans for a Government Bill with a clause to raise the maximum sentence for drink and drug driving?

Dominic Raab Portrait Dominic Raab
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We have relatively recently increased the sentences in relation to driving offences, but if the hon. Lady writes to me again about this harrowing case, I will look at it very carefully and write back to her with the detail.