Member

In conclusion, as I said, we already have a huge number of laws, especially Section 66 of the Sentencing Act, that allow for offences to be aggravated by hostility towards a person based on their protected characteristics when it comes to sentencing. We do not believe that this opinion should stand part of the Bill. We accept that the amendment is based on an explicit manifesto commitment and we respect the Government’s mandate, although we disagree with the amendment, but it is not acceptable for the Government to bring forward an amendment drafted in this way at such a late stage. Unless it is withdrawn, we will vote against it.