I was just browsing the Express (yeah, yeah, I know, but sometimes I like to smear myself in shit) and read this story about new law and order stuff from the Conservatives (istyosty.com link)…
NOW YOU CAN BASH A BURGLAR
DAVID Cameron last night hit back at allegations that his Government is soft on crime by vowing to back home owners who fight off burglars.
Announcing a major legal shake-up, the Prime Minister pledged that property holders who use “reasonable force” against intruders would not be prosecuted.
How is that new?
David Cameron said: “My mission is to make sure that families can feel safe in their homes, and they can walk the streets freely, without fear. The system today is failing and badly needs reform.”
It needs reform so badly, it’s going to stay the same.
…the most eye-catching announcement was legal protection for people who defend their families and properties during break-ins. It would allow home owners to hit burglars or even shoot them as long as the force used can be shown in court to have been reasonable.
At risk of repeating myself, how is that new?
“So we will put beyond doubt that home owners and small shopkeepers who use reasonable force to defend themselves or their properties will not be prosecuted.”
How is, oh you get the idea.
The PM’s measures include increasing the number of life sentences handed out by the courts and ensuring that serious sexual and violent offenders spend at least half of their jail terms in custody.
Under current rules, many can walk free halfway through their sentences.
All together now… How is that new?
A new criminal offence of squatting will also be introduced to protect home owners, and squatters will be stripped of the right to claim legal aid to fight their cases.
This it is a little worrying. I don’t know any figures about squatting or what squatters give for being squatters, whether it’s to use unused property or poverty or being outside the benefits system, but I doubt the majority actually want to be squatters any more than a property owner wants to host them. So it would be nice if alongside this proposal to rid the land of squatters and prevent them from claiming someone elses property, the government put in place some other way of getting these people back into accommodation.
I love this little quote from Ken Clarke…
I’ve made a number of U-turns in my time. They should be done with purpose and panache when you do them.
If you’re gonna do a u-turn, make it a stylish one. Preferably wearing a hat at a jaunty angle.
