Clause 17
Serious Crime Bill [Lords]
11:15 am
James Brokenshire (Shadow Minister (Police Reform), Home Affairs; Hornchurch, Conservative)
Thank you for your discretion, Mr. Bercow, in allowing me to rise for a second time. The only reason for coming back was to respond to the Minister, who prayed in aid the recidivism rate as a justification for extending the period to five years. The latest National Audit Office figures show that breach rates for ASBOs are running at 55 per cent. and at 70 per cent. in certain parts of the country. I would be very cautious about praying in aid the recidivism rate as a way of justifying the need for serious crime prevention orders, particularly when breaches of other orders are running at such a rate. For the reasons that my right hon. and learned Friend has articulated well, we shall be supporting the amendment.