§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review his policy on the definition of a racially motivated offence. [158269]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe definition of what amounts to a racially aggravated offence is contained in section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 in relation to the nine racially aggravated offences listed in sections 29 to 32 of that Act. Where race is concerned, the definition relating to the aggravating factor in sentencing, for all other offences, is contained in section 153 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000. I believe these to be practical and enforceable definitions.
I will examine the findings of any research into the implementation of the provisions.