Criminal Justice and Courts Bill — Report (1st Day)

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 7:30 pm on 20 October 2014.

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Photo of Lord Kennedy of Southwark Lord Kennedy of Southwark Labour 7:30, 20 October 2014

My Lords, it is important that we put on record how much we support the police service. We are very lucky to have those dedicated men and women who go to work to keep us all safe. They deserve our support at all times, and we must be seen to give them that support. We are not opposing these amendments today. At the Committee stage of the Bill I confirmed the Opposition’s support for the clause. Police officers exercise great power and carry great responsibility. Where that is exercised improperly there can be tremendous consequences for the individuals concerned. Police corruption can never be tolerated and everything must be done to root it out.

The noble Lords, Lord Blair, Lord Condon, Lord Dear and Lord Paddick—all distinguished former senior police officers—raised concerns about this clause at Committee stage and questioned the gap it is seeking to plug. It would be useful if the noble Lord could confirm that this has nothing to do with the “plebgate” scandal. Further, can he tell the House what has happened since we last discussed this clause? I certainly raised, as I think did others, the question of consultation between the police service, the Police Federation, other associations and distinguished noble Lords. We must be seen to get the balance right here. People raised concerns about the clause and I hope that the Government have listened and can give us some comfort in their response.