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MPs to debate petition relating to trespass

14 April 2021

On Monday 19 April, MPs will debate a petition relating to trespass.

The debate will be led by Petitions Committee member Katherine Fletcher MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and a Minister will respond on behalf of the Government.

Don’t criminalise trespass

The petition, which received over 134,000 signatures, states: “The Government's manifesto stated “we will make intentional trespass a criminal offence”: an extreme, illiberal & unnecessary attack on ancient freedoms that would threaten walkers, campers, and the wider public. It would further tilt the law in favour of the landowning 1% who own half the country.

In response to the petition, the Government said: “Responses to the 2019 consultation on trespass, particularly unauthorised encampments, are currently being reviewed and the Government response will be issued in due course.”

On 23 March the Government published its response to the 2019 consultation, which can be viewed here.

Potential impacts of criminalising trespass

Ahead of the debate, the Petitions Committee sought the views of those who might be affected by the criminalisation of trespass, including ramblers, farmers, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities.

Read a summary of responses to our survey and forum posts

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one, or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Further Information

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