Clause 2 - Anonymity of defendant in rape etc. cases
Sexual Offences Bill [Lords]
5:45 pm
Ms Beverley Hughes (Minister of State (Citizenship and Immigration), Home Office; Stretford and Urmston, Labour)
The 1999 Act contains a possible power that has not needed to be switched on because the voluntary agreement has stuck.
I will reserve any other comments for a possible stand part debate and simply say that, for the reasons that I have outlined, we will resist the legislative routes proposed in the amendments. I hope that Members will agree to see how we get on with pursuing the voluntary route as an alternative.