Bringing about changes to sentencing  

Are you worried about knife crime and the sentencing of offenders? This week in Westminster, three full days of House of Commons’ activity are devoted to completing the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. Over recent weeks I along with other Conservative back-benchers have played a key role in influencing the government to change its policy on knife crime ensuring that every offender receives an automatic prison sentence.   I pressed for amendments to be made which include legislation to force automatic prison sentences for all knife crime, including a four month Detention & Training sentence mandatory for 16 -18 year olds.  The government were originally reluctant to have a mandatory sentence for 16 year olds but my colleagues and I tabled amendments forcing the change.  I was delighted when they eventually agreed.  During my first year as the elected MP for...