This week MPs will meet with the Robert Buckland the Justice Secretary to introduce 10-year jail sentences for anyone who desecrates war memorials.
Labour MP Nick Thomas-Symonds Shadow Home Secretary told Sky News Sophy Ridge his party are “willing to work with the government” over the new plans.
The MPs will seek to make amendments to existing laws with a provision over damage to war memorials.
Home Secretary Priti Patel and Attorney General Suella Braverman will also join these discussions, and will consider amending the Criminal Damage Act, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
Ridge asked the Shadow Home Secretary over the report, “I would support the government in creating a specific offence of protecting war memorials and I would be willing to work with the government on that.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also told Ridge that the treatment of the war memorials is “one of the most distressing” aspects or the protests.
Adding, “I know many people, certainly MPs, have raised this issue.
“The justice secretary will be meeting with all those MPs, I believe this week, to discuss these matters further.
“But that was absolutely shocking scenes to see yesterday.”
Tory MP Jonathan Gullis who served in the Falklands, Bosnia and Iraq wrote, “Desecration of memorials that remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today is repugnant.”
He added, “At present there is no specific law to protect these important monuments and unless £5,000 worth of damage is done, it is incredibly hard to prosecute.
“We sadly lack in this area compared to our Commonwealth friends.
“Therefore, I will be putting forward this bill to bring about a clear custodial sentence and fine for such heinous acts.”
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