British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a potential rebellion from within his own party over proposed legislation aiming to criminalize homelessness and grant police additional powers to address rough sleeping on the streets of the country.
As reported by ‘The Times’ on Monday, numerous Conservative Party MPs have indicated their intention to vote against the measures outlined in the Criminal Justice Bill, currently undergoing scrutiny in the House of Commons and expected to pass into law before an upcoming general election.
The bill, originally introduced by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, could result in fines of up to £2,500 or imprisonment for rough sleepers in England and Wales.
Tory MP Bob Blackman, also serving as joint secretary of the influential Conservative backbench 1922 Committee, voiced concerns, stating, “A lot of colleagues believe that the bill as it stands is completely unacceptable because it would have the effect of criminalizing people who have no choice but to sleep on the streets. We are urging ministers to think again.”
Joining Blackman in opposition, former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and former Deputy Prime Minister Damian Green have endorsed amendments aimed at eliminating the proposed police powers. Green emphasized his support for Blackman’s amendment, describing it as “a practical way forward to help people off the streets” rather than punishing them.
Additionally, an unnamed Tory MP criticized the proposed legislation, comparing it unfavorably to the vagrancy act enacted after the Napoleonic wars, which the bill aims to replace.
The Criminal Justice Bill, part of the Conservatives’ strategy to portray toughness on crime ahead of the challenging general election, includes provisions to expand police powers for drug testing suspects upon arrest and conducting premises searches for stolen goods like mobile phones. It also empowers probation officers to conduct lie-detection tests on sex offenders and terrorists post-release from prison while increasing sentences for certain offenses.
However, concerns within the party persist that the bill’s controversial elements, particularly regarding homelessness, could overshadow its intended purpose.
Responding to criticisms, UK Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing homelessness through resource allocation for housing improvements and increasing the availability of refuges and social housing.
Polly Neate, CEO of the homelessness charity Shelter, condemned the proposed legislation as unjust, advocating for preventative measures to keep individuals off the streets and emphasizing the need for substantial investment in affordable social housing to end homelessness permanently.
