A number of Tory MP’s are threatening a revolt on legislation that effectively criminalises homelessness according to reports
Parts of the Criminal Justice Bill would repeal the Vagrancy Act of 1824, which was introduced to target wounded soldiers who began begging on the streets after returning from the Napoleonic wars homeless and destitute.
The bill initially put forward by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman would however allow police to crack down on ‘nuisance rough sleeping’, including fining homeless people up to £2,500
The Times first reported the story, said about 40 MPs had made it known to government whips that they would vote against the proposals to criminalise rough sleepers saying they are angry about what they see as a departure from compassionate Conservatism and are planning to rebel on these clauses
The former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith and Damian Green, the One Nation caucus chair, are among those who have joined the rebellion.
Asked by Times Radio whether he would back the bill as it stands, business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Those things are not within my auspices. I will be interested to see the legislation as it goes through and what the prime minister has planned.”
