Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Jupp Excerpts

Tuesday 14th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Kit Malthouse]

This is obviously an issue that affects all the home nations, and I will be more than happy to work collaboratively with counterparts across the whole of the United Kingdom, as we do on so many issues with great success.

[Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con)]

12. What steps his Department is taking to strengthen sentencing for child cruelty.

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Dominic Raab)]

Child cruelty requires the strongest response possible from our justice system, and we will ensure that our sentencing powers are the most robust to protect the most vulnerable.

[Simon Jupp]

The harrowing case of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes makes it clear that child protection must be at the heart of our sentencing policy. What steps will my right hon. Friend take to ensure that child killers are never released from prison?

[Dominic Raab]

I thank my hon. Friend and totally agree with him about the appalling case of little Arthur. He is right, and in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, child murder will be where there is premeditation, and will carry a whole-life order as its starting point. I hope that all hon. Members across the House will join us in supporting that measure. May I also mention Tony’s law, which we are introducing to increase the penalties for causing death and causing serious injury from child cruelty.