Ending the Cycle of Reoffending and Sanctioning Israeli Ministers

Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter MP

June 14, 2025

This week, the Justice Committee met for the fourth evidence session of our inquiry into rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending. We heard evidence from NHS England and service providers working across health and well-being services in prisons and in the community.  This part of our inquiry is very important as we begin to look at the holistic support that can be given to prisoners upon release to end the cycle of reoffending.

The Crime and Policing Bill will be back next week for report stage. The bill is a flagship piece of government legislation and has received many amendments over the last few weeks. I have tabled three new clauses to the bill, two on safer knives and tackling knife crime and one on unauthorised encampments relating to the Gypsy & Traveller community. The clause concerned with unauthorised encampments is to repeal legislation passed under the previous government that the High Court found to be discriminatory and in breach of the Human Rights Act 1998.

The eighth anniversary of the devastating Grenfell Tower Fire is Saturday 14th June. In the Grenfell Tower Fire: Eighth Anniversary Debate I raised that while it is encouraging that the Government are implementing all 58 recommendations of phase 2 of the inquiry, the four-year timetable is a long wait on top of the eight years that have already passed. I will be joining those attending the silent walk this weekend to commemorate those who were tragically lost.

Last week we saw the Government impose sanctions on Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Both are among the loudest voices that call for the annexation of the West Bank. It is welcome news that they have been sanctioned, but settlement building & forced displacement are accelerating. I raised in parliament that surely it is time to recognise Palestinian sovereignty - you can see my full comments here.  

The biggest parliamentary event this week was the Spending Review. There was lots to digest from the statement, but it’s good to see £29 billion for NHS, increased Police spending and £39 billion for a 10-year affordable homes programme. Most notably for my constituents, an expansion of access to free school meals, bringing much needed help for hard working families in Hammersmith and Chiswick.

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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