Member

Finally, I turn to Amendment 467B in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Bertin. Once again, I understand the intention underlying this amendment. There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls, much of it taking place online, but, that said, due process demands that any substantive provisions, including new criminal offences, are commenced no earlier than two months after Royal Assent except in the most exceptional circumstances. A change in the criminal law is a particularly serious matter, and for reasons of fairness, it is crucial that law enforcement partners are given appropriate time to ensure that they can operationalise these provisions, and time for the CPS, for example, to prepare guidance for prosecutors to ensure that the new offences can be used effectively. While I understand that new measures are needed urgently, we must give the public and the criminal justice system sufficient notice of impending changes to the criminal law. However, I reassure your Lordships that this Government are committed to commencing these provisions by regulation as soon as possible.