Violent Crime Reduction Bill

My Lords, there is not the slightest evidence that the decrease in gun crime is related to the fact that minimum sentences have been included in various Bills. There is not the slightest evidence to show that the sentence passed by a particular judge in court would have been any different with or without the minimum sentences. It is gesture politics. It is a political act; it is sending messages. I am totally opposed to using the criminal law to send messages via the red-top papers. I shall not press this to a vote, but every time the Government propose minimum sentences, I will say something along similar lines. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 28 [Minimum sentences for certain firearms offences]: [Amendment No. 34 not moved.] Clause 35 [Specific defences applying to the offence under s.34]: