Written evidence to be reported to the House

Part of Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 4:15 pm on 16 October 2007.

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Photo of Edward Garnier Edward Garnier Shadow Minister (Justice) 4:15, 16 October 2007

The trouble is that the legislation is being created, I would suggest, partly in ignorance and partly for political motives. There is nothing wrong with that—it often happens. However, given that under this new procedure there is the opportunity to get your advice, we should be grateful to have that advice. There are three Ministers listening, so if, as an experienced magistrate who represents your association, you have views that you think ought to influence the design of the legislation, I for one would be very grateful if you unburdened yourself of your concerns. There is no point passing laws—this Government pass lots of them—that do not achieve anything. Perhaps you could help us to design a piece of criminal justice legislation that actually does some good.