Policing Minister Says 10-Year Jail Term For Defacing Statues Reflects Their “Emotional Value”
Policing minister Kit Malthouse has defended plans to increase the maximum sentence for defacing a statue (Alamy)
15 March
The policing minister Kit Malthouse has defended plans to increase the maximum sentence for defacing a statue to 10 years, saying the current legislation ignores their “emotional or symbolic value”.
The government is facing accusations from the opposition that the new police, crime, sentencing and courts bill offers more protections for monuments than rape victims.
But Malthouse said the bill will ensure people "stand shoulder to shoulder on violence across the board", and told Sky News he was "disappointed and a bit confused" by Labour's decision.