Ashfield MP backs bill to fight back against "idiots and yobs" who destroy war memorials

Ashfield’s MP Lee Anderson has signed a new parliamentary bill to protect the nation’s war memorials.
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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

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The bill would also create an explicit offence distinguishable from the current offence of ‘damage to public property.’

Jonathan Gullis MP and Lee Anderson MP promote the Desecration of War Memorials Bill first reading - Facebook/Lee AndersonJonathan Gullis MP and Lee Anderson MP promote the Desecration of War Memorials Bill first reading - Facebook/Lee Anderson
Jonathan Gullis MP and Lee Anderson MP promote the Desecration of War Memorials Bill first reading - Facebook/Lee Anderson

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.

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The 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.

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“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.”

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.

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