Asked by: Baroness Uddin (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
Her Majesty's Government whether they are considering a public safety awareness campaign of the danger of acid attacks; and what advice is being given to individuals and emergency services to minimise long-term physical deformity.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
The Home Office are working closely with a range of partners and agencies to consider the response to acid attacks including what advice is needed for individuals and medical practitioners to respond to these incidents. On 4 July, the Home Office and the National Police Chief’s Council jointly hosted a meeting with medical experts, police, retailers, and officials from a number of Government departments and agencies to share understanding about the nature of attacks and discussed action being taken by the respective agencies.
Asked by: Baroness Uddin (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
Her Majesty's Government, in the light of figures released by the MPS showing an increase in the number of acid attacks in London from 261 in 2015 to 454 in 2016, what action they are taking to ensure public safety.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
The Government is very concerned about the use of acid and other corrosives in violent attacks. The Government and the National Police Chiefs’ Council jointly hosted a meeting on 4 July with medical experts, police officers, retailers, and officials from a number of Government departments and agencies to share understanding about the nature of such attacks and discussed action being taken by the respective agencies. We are currently considering what further action can be taken to ensure public safety.
Asked by: Baroness Uddin (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
Her Majesty's Government whether acid violence is a recognised term within the criminal justice system; and if so, what is its definition.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
There is no recognised term or a specific offence of “acid violence”. However, a range of offences are relevant depending on the nature of the violence and the harm caused.
The most serious violence and harm caused by use of acid or other corrosive substances is likely to be subject to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 causes grievous bodily harm with intent to do so. This carries a maximum life sentence. In addition, someone who has possession of acid or other corrosive substances with an intention to do harm, is likely to be considered to be in possession of an offensive weapon, which is a criminal offence.
Asked by: Baroness Uddin (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to put in place a protocol with police, local authorities, and other emergency services, to respond to acid attacks.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
We are working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on the scale and nature of attacks with acid and other corrosive substances and how to respond to such attacks.