Desecration of War Memorials Bill

David Burrowes will table a Ten Minute Rule Bill, the Desecration of War Memorials Bill, at the earliest opportunity in the new Parliamentary session.

The Bill will seek to amend the Criminal Damages Act 1971 so that inflicting criminal damage on a war memorial constitutes an aggravating factor to the offence of criminal damage. This would allow these cases to be dealt with by the Crown Courts where the judges will have access to the more severe punishments that crimes of this nature deserve.

“Following the despicable theft of the 16 memorial plaques from Broomfield Park in my constituency, and the resulting local and national outrage, I want Parliament to look at how we can get tougher on the mindless criminals responsible for this and other similar acts of vandalism across the country.

My Bill would give the Courts the power to take these offences much more seriously and to reflect the public’s concern about these acts of desecration which show little honour for the brave men and women commemorated by the war memorials in our communities.”