Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

John Cryer Excerpts
Tuesday 9th January 2024

(3 months, 2 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alex Chalk Portrait Alex Chalk
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I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, who, with his customary precision, puts his finger on that appalling injustice. The suggestion that he makes is receiving active consideration. I expect to be able to make further announcements shortly.

John Cryer Portrait John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)
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I add my support to the comments made by the hon. Member for Hertford and Stortford (Julie Marson). Cuckooing is a terrible activity, and making it a specific crime not only makes sense but would, I suspect, lead to the prosecution of other crimes such as drug dealing.

Alex Chalk Portrait Alex Chalk
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As I indicated, I will have a conversation with my hon. Friend the Member for Hertford and Stortford (Julie Marson) about that. There is very likely to be a substantive underlying offence, be it handling stolen goods, possession with intent to supply or firearms matters. This has been considered by way of discussions with criminal justice partners, but if there are further matters to consider with my hon. Friend, and indeed with the hon. Gentleman, I would be happy to have those conversations.