Member

There are already offences that deal with groups that aim to commit serious crimes to influence public policy. For example, in England and Wales, these include the offences of damaging or threatening to damage property, as well as conspiracy and encouraging and assisting crime. We heard from the noble Lord, Lord Young of Acton, and the noble Baroness, Lady Cash, about the specific issue around the group Bash Back. I think that the noble Baroness, Lady Cash, recognised the important point that criminal law is already in place. Therefore, the solution is not necessarily to add new laws. Issues and evidential thresholds will apply, whatever the offence.