Fresh attempt at anti-intruder legislation
A Conservative backbencher is making a fresh attempt to change the law governing the use of violence against household intruders.
Anne McIntosh says householders should be able to use greater force to protect themselves against burglars.
She will introduce a Householder Protection Bill into the House of Commons after coming near the top of the ballot for private members’ legislation, the Sunday Telegraph reports.
The current law allows householders to use “reasonable force”, but critics argue that this is inadequate and leaves those who confront intruders open to prosecution.
The proposed new law would favour householders, enabling them to use stronger force to defend their property without the fear of prosecution.
Tory MP Patrick Mercer tried to introduce similar legislation at the end of last year, leading the Prime Minister to indicate that he might consider a change in the law.
But Mr Mercer’s Bill was defeated in the Commons after Home Secretary Charles Clarke concluded that the existing law was “sound”, following discussions with police and prosecutors.
Ms McIntosh has reportedly decided to resurrect the legislation after a series of cases in her Vale of York constituency in which home owners were confronted by burglars.
“The problem is that while defending your life is clear under law, defending your property is not,” she told the Sunday Telegraph.
Reports suggest that the Government may come under increased pressure to give its support to the new Bill, which has been endorsed by Conservative leader Michael Howard.
“People have the right to feel safe in their own homes,” he said.
“They should be free to defend themselves and their family – which is what this bill is designed to do.”
