The Chipping Barnet MP praised the announcement of government plans to tackle crime and antisemitism

An aerial view of the UK houses of parliament. — Photo by paul silvan on Unsplash

Theresa Villiers has welcomed government action on crime and antisemitism announced in today’s King’s Speech.

The speech delivered by King Charles in parliament today was the first by a British King for 70 years following the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

While it is delivered by the monarch, the King’s Speech is written by the government and outlines the bills that they plan to introduce in parliament over the next year.

Reflecting on the plans put forward by the Conservative government, the Chipping Barnet MP said “I welcome these new measures to tackle crime, including empowering courts to compel offenders to attend their sentencing hearing.”

“Many of my constituents tell me they are worried about crime. After seven years with mayor Khan in charge of policing in London, people are losing confidence in police efforts on offences such as burglary, car crime, shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.”

“It is good that the Met now acknowledges that stronger action is needed. The legislative proposals announced today should support the police in their efforts to keep people safe, boosted by the 20,000 extra officers promised and delivered by this Conservative government.”

She added: “I’m also very pleased to see that the Bill to ban councils and universities from boycotting Israeli goods is carried over to this new session of Parliament and is confirmed in the Gracious Speech. The founder of the BDS movement does not believe that Israel should exist and BDS boycott campaigning fuels antisemitism. Councils should focus on delivering services not running a foreign policy.”

“It is also important that the Holocaust Memorial Bill is being taken forward, to deliver a lasting reminder of the horrors that antisemitism can lead to.”

The MP also referenced her opposition to the planned pro-Palestinian march in London this Saturday. She said: “I was among a group of London Conservative MPs and Assembly members to write to Met Commissioner Mark Rowley at the weekend expressing opposition to the planned march on Armistice Day on Saturday. It would be disrespectful and insensitive to go ahead with this, especially in the light of the antisemitic incidents occurring at previous protests.”

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.