British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a potential revolt from within his own party over new legislation that could criminalize homelessness and give police powers to crack down on rough sleepers on the country’s streets. Several Conservative Party MPs have expressed their opposition to the measures in the Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently being debated in the House of Commons.
The proposed legislation, introduced by former Indian-origin home secretary Suella Braverman, would allow rough sleepers in England and Wales to be fined up to 2,500 Pounds or face prison sentences. Tory MP Bob Blackman, along with other prominent Conservative MPs like Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Damian Green, have signed amendments to remove the controversial police powers from the bill.
Critics argue that the bill would criminalize individuals who have no choice but to sleep on the streets, rather than providing them with the necessary support and resources to find stable housing. The legislation also includes provisions to expand police powers for drug testing, search for stolen goods, and administer lie-detection tests to offenders.
While the government aims to present itself as tough on crime ahead of a general election, concerns have been raised about the impact of the legislation on vulnerable populations. Homelessness charity Shelter’s chief executive, Polly Neate, emphasized the need for preventive measures and investment in affordable social housing to address the root causes of homelessness.
As the debate over the Criminal Justice Bill continues, the Conservative Party faces internal dissent and growing public scrutiny over its approach to tackling homelessness and crime in the UK.