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20/05/2003
'Corporate manslaughter' laws to be tightened up
The Home Secretary today tabled a new bill to tighten up laws governing 'corporate manslaughter'.
Mr Blunkett said today that he wanted to see a new law that will "bite properly" those large corporations whose failure to set or maintain standards causes a death. He said the plans are not targeted at companies that take their health and safety responsibilities seriously.
The legislation will be targeted at companies themselves, which the government says is the area of weakness in the current law. Costs of a change in the law will not be large, according to preliminary results from a Regulatory Impact Assessment carried out by the government.
Mr Blunkett said: "There is great public concern at the criminal law's lack of success in convicting companies of manslaughter where a death has occurred due to gross negligence by the organisation as a whole."
A timetable for legislation and further details will be announced this autumn.
The move was first proposed by the Law Commission in 1996, and subsequently approved by the government in its consultation document of 2000.
Deaths in the workplace have increased from 253 in 1998 to 350 last year.
Also, following last night's revolt by 33 MPs against limiting trial by jury, the Home Office unveiled proposals today for an amendment to increase the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from 10 to 14 years.
Despite mounting internal disaffection with proposals contained in the Criminal Justice Bill, Home Secretary David Blunkett pushed once more for a late addition to his legislation.
The amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill will target those who kill - be it through driving dangerously - whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or joyriding.
Home Office Minister Lord Falconer said: "The government is determined that drivers who kill should be properly punished. The actions of dangerous and irresponsible drivers can be devastating, not only for victims’ families, but for whole communities."
(GMcG)
Mr Blunkett said today that he wanted to see a new law that will "bite properly" those large corporations whose failure to set or maintain standards causes a death. He said the plans are not targeted at companies that take their health and safety responsibilities seriously.
The legislation will be targeted at companies themselves, which the government says is the area of weakness in the current law. Costs of a change in the law will not be large, according to preliminary results from a Regulatory Impact Assessment carried out by the government.
Mr Blunkett said: "There is great public concern at the criminal law's lack of success in convicting companies of manslaughter where a death has occurred due to gross negligence by the organisation as a whole."
A timetable for legislation and further details will be announced this autumn.
The move was first proposed by the Law Commission in 1996, and subsequently approved by the government in its consultation document of 2000.
Deaths in the workplace have increased from 253 in 1998 to 350 last year.
Also, following last night's revolt by 33 MPs against limiting trial by jury, the Home Office unveiled proposals today for an amendment to increase the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from 10 to 14 years.
Despite mounting internal disaffection with proposals contained in the Criminal Justice Bill, Home Secretary David Blunkett pushed once more for a late addition to his legislation.
The amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill will target those who kill - be it through driving dangerously - whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or joyriding.
Home Office Minister Lord Falconer said: "The government is determined that drivers who kill should be properly punished. The actions of dangerous and irresponsible drivers can be devastating, not only for victims’ families, but for whole communities."
(GMcG)
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27 February 2004
Maximum sentence for death drivers rises to 14 years
The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving will increase from 10 to 14 years, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced today. The increase will target drivers who kill, be it through driving dangerously, driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or joyriding.
Maximum sentence for death drivers rises to 14 years
The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving will increase from 10 to 14 years, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced today. The increase will target drivers who kill, be it through driving dangerously, driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or joyriding.
31 October 2005
Government to crack down on death driving offences
Tough new offences to deal with drivers who cause death on the roads were announced today by the government.
Government to crack down on death driving offences
Tough new offences to deal with drivers who cause death on the roads were announced today by the government.
10 August 2005
Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence
The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned. A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.
Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence
The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned. A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.
16 July 2004
Blunkett reveals plans to shake up sex laws
Local authorities could be given the power to set up "managed" prostitution zones, one of the options being considered by a new Government rethink on vice law. Other developments proposed in the Home Office consultation paper include the legalisation of brothels, and the introduction of state registration and regular health checks for sex workers.
Blunkett reveals plans to shake up sex laws
Local authorities could be given the power to set up "managed" prostitution zones, one of the options being considered by a new Government rethink on vice law. Other developments proposed in the Home Office consultation paper include the legalisation of brothels, and the introduction of state registration and regular health checks for sex workers.
28 September 2004
BMA demand smoking ban in public places
Using Ireland's recent anti-smoking legislation as a benchmark, BMA Chairman James Johnson today urged the government to follow suit and introduce a smoking ban.
BMA demand smoking ban in public places
Using Ireland's recent anti-smoking legislation as a benchmark, BMA Chairman James Johnson today urged the government to follow suit and introduce a smoking ban.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
