Anti-social Behaviour Bill — third reading— — 24 Jun 2003 at 19:33

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.

I want to thank not only my hon. Friends on the Front Bench for their sterling efforts today, but my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-East (Mr. Ainsworth) and his colleagues who saw the Bill through Committee. I commend Members of all parties who served on the Committee for the extremely vigorous way in which the Bill was dealt with, especially by my own Back-Benchers who think that I am not going far enough. I should like them to write an article in The Independent newspaper explaining why I am not tough and courageous enough in dealing with these issues, which would undoubtedly change my image enormously overnight with its readers. I shall be brief, as I realise that the Third Reading debate is truncated owing to the very serious statement that has to be made afterwards, and I want other hon. Members to be able to take part.

Question put, That the Bill be now read the Third time:-

The House divided: Ayes 419, Noes 43.

Debate in Parliament | Historical Hansard | Source |