Just as Chris Loder, our local MP, is sickened by the desecration of the Cenotaph and the Churchill statue, I am astounded that Parliament has the time and luxury of messing about with a Desecration of War Memorials Bill.
The Criminal Damage Act of 1971, sections 1, 2, and 3 cover the damaging, threats to damage and possession of articles with intent to damage. That Act carries a 10 year maximum prison sentence already.
Why burden the police with more and more confusion, over which laws to enforce, when it is patently obvious to all decent people that a section of the public is able to run riot whilst we are all confined to our homes?
I would like to see the MP concentrate on forcing the police to enforce existing, clearly worded laws rather than waste precious parliamentary time on duplication.
This Government was elected to govern and it is high time that majority views were supported and sections of the media ignored.
Instead of hampering the magistracy and judiciary, politicians should be ensuring proper punishment on existing offenders.
ROBERT AYERS
Bridport
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