Member

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Foster of Bath, for reminding noble Lords of the evidence that underpins this measure. Through Amendments 6 to 10, 18 and 19, noble Lords and noble and learned Lords have proposed that the presumption should not apply to convictions for a wide variety of offences. The Government, of course, fully recognise the seriousness of such offences, but I must stress that Clause 1 as drafted already provides robust exceptions; I hope that that reassures the noble Viscount, Lord Hailsham. Public protection is our main priority, and we will make sure that the most dangerous offenders are put where they belong: behind bars.