Overview

This bill creates a new criminal offence: desecrating a war memorial. It amends the Criminal Damage Act 1971 to specifically address the disrespectful treatment of war memorials, introducing harsher penalties than currently available under existing legislation.

Description

The Desecration of War Memorials Bill introduces a new section (1A) into the Criminal Damage Act 1971, defining the crime of "desecrating a war memorial." This includes acts of destruction, damage, or other forms of disrespect, such as graffiti, burning, spitting, urination, or defecation. The definition of "war memorial" is broad, encompassing any physical object commemorating those involved in or affected by conflict, including civilians and animals.

The bill outlines penalties for this new offense: up to 12 months imprisonment or a fine on summary conviction, and up to ten years imprisonment or a fine on conviction on indictment. Crucially, it removes the existing damage threshold that could lead to lesser charges for minor damage, ensuring that all acts of desecration are treated with the seriousness they deserve. The bill applies to England and Wales and will come into force six months after being passed.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase government spending. The primary cost will be associated with enforcing the new law through police resources and the judicial system. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

This bill primarily affects:

• Individuals who desecrate war memorials: They will face prosecution under the new law, facing potentially significant penalties.
• Law enforcement agencies: They will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting offences under the new law.
• The judiciary: They will process cases arising from this new offense.
• Veterans and their families: The bill aims to protect war memorials which are of significant importance to these groups.

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