Orders of the Day — Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:19 pm on 21 June 2005.

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Photo of Charles Clarke Charles Clarke Home Secretary 4:19, 21 June 2005

First, no Attorney-General would consider the matter from the point of view of Government convenience at any time. Secondly, the assurances that I have already given meet the points that the hon. Gentleman makes. [Hon. Members: "No, they don't."] Yes, they do. Thirdly, what the hon. Gentleman must take very seriously indeed when he uses the word "chilling" are the comments made a moment or two ago by my right hon. Friend Sir Gerald Kaufman. The chilling nature of what happens is experienced by people who are subject to the incitement to hatred, and we must deal with removing that chill.