§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish his proposals to deal with stalking; and if he will make a statement. [36688]
§ Mr. HowardI am today publishing a joint consultation paper with the Lord Chancellor on stalking. A copy has been placed in the Library.
Stalkers can have a devastating effect on the lives of their victims, who are entitled to expect that the law will protect them. But this is a difficult area in which to legislate as stalkers often behave in ways which do not overtly threaten their victims. But its sheer, oppressive persistence makes this activity so threatening.
The consultation paper proposes a new tort which will allow the victims of stalkers to seek an injunction against further harassment. It also proposes two new criminal offences which are intended to ensure that stalkers can be punished for activity which causes people to fear for their safety or which more generally causes harassment, alarm or distress.
It is important that any new measures against stalkers deal effectively with the problem whilst at the same time do not prevent people from going about their lawful business. That is why it is important for the Government to consult on this subject.