Sentencing Bill
Debate between Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd and Lord Weir of Ballyholme
Committee stage
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
Read Full debate Sentencing Bill 2024-26 View all Sentencing Bill 2024-26 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 weeks, 4 days ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Sentencing Bill 2024-26 View all Sentencing Bill 2024-26 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—