Ashfield MP backs bill to fight back against "idiots and yobs" who destroy war memorials
and live on Freeview channel 276
Mr Anderson has backed the Desecration of War Memorials Bill, which had its first reading at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, June 23.
It allws for an unlimited fine as well as establishing a maximum custodial sentence of 10 years for anyone who vandalises or damages war memorials
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe bill would also create an explicit offence distinguishable from the current offence of ‘damage to public property.’
Mr Anderson gave his support to the bill which has been promoted by Stoke on Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis.
Mr Gullis had asked the Home Secretary Priti Patel to back him, James Sunderland MP and other Conservative politicians, including Mr Anderson, to create a new law called the ‘Desecration of War Memorials Bill’.
The Cenotaph and a statue of Winston Churchill were boarded up in London recently amid fears that they could be targeted by demonstrators.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Ashfield MP posted a video of himself with Mr Gullis on Facebook, on Tuesday after the reading saying: “We are fed up to the back teeth of idiots and yobbos coming to Whitehall and desecrating our war memorials”
Mr Gullis said he “was sick and tired” of people taking advantage of the memorials to our “Glorious dead.” We should always show them our ultimate respect.”
Mr Anderson told the Chad: “We are fighting back. Our war memorials are sacred to us.
“At present there is no specific law to protect these important monuments and unless £5,000 worth of damage is done, it is incredibly hard to prosecute, there is very little you can do.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“We have been lucky that there has been no damage to any in our area, but if there were it means we would be able to do something about it.”
Sutton residents' "shock" at finding drug users with needles hanging from arms in flat entrance hall
The second reading of the bill will be on September 11, 2020.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said she completely lent her “complete support for the point and sentiment” of the bill.