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16/07/2004
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.
Home Secretary David Blunkett described the rethink as an attempt to combat the "devastating consequences" of the sex trade, and pledged to use the new legislation to target organised crime and people trafficking.
It is thought that around 80,000 women are involved in prostitution in the UK, with a high percentage reporting addiction to Class A drugs.
The Home Office paper follows four months of government debate on various aspects of sex laws, including an examination of the methods used by other countries when dealing with sex workers.
Some cities have already requested permission to establish managed tolerance zones, but Mr Blunkett stressed that no initiative would be given the go-ahead without prior consultation and "thorough" public debate.
Mr Blunkett added: "There are important tasks ahead of us and there are no easy answers or one single solution."
(CL)
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.
Home Secretary David Blunkett described the rethink as an attempt to combat the "devastating consequences" of the sex trade, and pledged to use the new legislation to target organised crime and people trafficking.
It is thought that around 80,000 women are involved in prostitution in the UK, with a high percentage reporting addiction to Class A drugs.
The Home Office paper follows four months of government debate on various aspects of sex laws, including an examination of the methods used by other countries when dealing with sex workers.
Some cities have already requested permission to establish managed tolerance zones, but Mr Blunkett stressed that no initiative would be given the go-ahead without prior consultation and "thorough" public debate.
Mr Blunkett added: "There are important tasks ahead of us and there are no easy answers or one single solution."
(CL)
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25 October 2004
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
05 June 2003
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
11 September 2003
Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool
Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced. The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members.
Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool
Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced. The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members.
14 May 2003
Police to roll out fines scheme for anti-social crime
Police will be able to issue fines of up to £80 as part of a bid to reduce the amount of time they spend on paperwork. A trial scheme has proved to help officers tackle anti-social behaviour, like drunk and disorderly behaviour will be introduced nationwide by the end of the year.
Police to roll out fines scheme for anti-social crime
Police will be able to issue fines of up to £80 as part of a bid to reduce the amount of time they spend on paperwork. A trial scheme has proved to help officers tackle anti-social behaviour, like drunk and disorderly behaviour will be introduced nationwide by the end of the year.
11 April 2003
School-leavers encouraged toward voluntary work
Young people from low-income backgrounds are to get extra support to become volunteers for a year after they finish school, college or training.
School-leavers encouraged toward voluntary work
Young people from low-income backgrounds are to get extra support to become volunteers for a year after they finish school, college or training.
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