Member

The gap that Amendment 416 seeks to close is real. It would not criminalise all mask wearing or interfere with religious coverings, medical masks or legitimate cycling; it would simply give a constable the power to stop a person who was both cycling or riding a scooter and concealing their identity—nothing more. I believe that it is a proportionate response to a specific criminal modus operandi. Criminals are exploiting anonymity as a tactical advantage, and we need to put the boot on the other foot and give the police the powers they need. If the amendment needs to be tweaked along the lines that the noble Lord, Lord Hogan-Howe, suggested, we should bring it back on Report and support it.