Sentencing Bill
Debate between Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd and Lord Weir of Ballyholme
Committee stage
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
Read Full debate Sentencing Act 2026 View all Sentencing Act 2026 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: HL Bill 142-III Third marshalled list for Committee - (2 Dec 2025)
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
(2 months, 2 weeks ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Sentencing Act 2026 View all Sentencing Act 2026 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: HL Bill 142-III Third marshalled list for Committee - (2 Dec 2025)
Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd (CB)
I will very briefly go back to a point about Amendment 122A that I raised at Second Reading. The Minister was kind enough to write to me to explain the pressure on prisons and the need for places, but I have already suggested earlier today a far better solution to that.
I will make two points. First, if someone comes here to commit a crime—for example, a drug dealer or a contract criminal—it is no punishment to be sent back. In fact, it is a bonus for them, because they do not have to pay for the return trip. I hope that the Minister can reassure us that the most rigorous examination will take place before people are deported.
Lord Weir of Ballyholme (DUP)
I think that a very valid point has been made. I immediately think of the situation—