What's happened
Nearly 2,500 homeless people in England and Wales have been arrested under the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act, with plans to criminalize homelessness causing a Tory revolt.
Why it matters
The proposed legislation to criminalize homelessness has sparked significant backlash, with concerns raised about the impact on vulnerable individuals. The statements from Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and the Tory rebellion against Rishi Sunak's plans highlight the contentious nature of the issue and the need for a balanced approach to addressing homelessness.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the arrests of homeless individuals under the Vagrancy Act and the proposed legislation to criminalize homelessness. Sky News and The Guardian cover Education Secretary Gillian Keegan's statement opposing arrests based on smell and the growing Tory rebellion against Rishi Sunak's plans. The Mirror provides a critical perspective on the proposed laws and the backlash faced by the government.
How we got here
The Vagrancy Act, dating back to 1824, has been used to arrest homeless individuals in England and Wales. The proposed Criminal Justice Bill seeks to criminalize 'nuisance rough sleeping,' including 'excessive smells,' leading to concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations. The government's efforts to address homelessness have faced criticism and internal opposition.
Common question
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Why are Tory MPs challenging the government's plans to criminalise homelessness?
Tory MPs are pushing back against government proposals to potentially criminalise homelessness, sparking a debate on the ethical and practical implications of such measures. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and other Conservative members have raised concerns about the impact of these laws on homeless individuals, leading to a rebellion within the party. Let's delve into the reasons behind the opposition to criminalising homelessness.
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How many homeless individuals have been arrested under the Vagrancy Act in England and Wales?
The Vagrancy Act in England and Wales has led to the arrest of nearly 2,500 homeless individuals, sparking concerns and debates about the criminalization of homelessness. Learn more about the impact of this legislation and its implications for vulnerable populations.
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Kevin Paul Hollinrake is a British Conservative politician and businessman. He has been the Member of Parliament for Thirsk and Malton since May 2015.
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Rishi Sunak is a British politician who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2022.
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Robert John Blackman is a Conservative Party politician serving as the Executive Secretary of the 1922 Committee since 2012, and has served as the Member of Parliament for Harrow East since 2010.