‘Reckless’ to consider raising age of criminal responsibility – DUP leader

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

It would be “reckless” after the week of violence on Northern Ireland’s streets to consider raising the age of criminal responsibility, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said.

As part of the Justice Bill, MLAs will consider a proposal to raise the age from 10. It is also 10 in England and Wales, but 12 in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland has proposed an amendment to the Bill to raise the minimum age to 14, with exceptions for the most serious offences of murder, manslaughter and rape.

The proposal has been backed by Sinn Féin and the SDLP, but opposed by the DUP, UUP leader Jon Burrows and the TUV.

The DUP has tabled a petition of concern to force a cross-community vote, which has been backed by the 25 DUP MLAs, sole TUV MLA Timothy Gaston and some UUP MLAs.

Robinson said they need another two to back it, urging MLAs to consider what is right.

If the petition of concern is not tabled, the amendment is likely to pass with the majority support of Sinn Féin, SDLP and Alliance.

Speaking to media at Parliament Buildings on Monday, Robinson described a “very important day” in the consideration of the Justice Bill.

“After the week that Northern Ireland has just had, the violence on our streets, the intimidation, the attacks, the burning out of neighbours from their homes, how stupid would it be that Assembly Members in this chamber are willing to remove any aspect of criminal justice response for young people in that situation,” he said.

 

“It makes no sense, it is reckless, and we have heard suggestions that there are some who are now starting to prick their conscience, are starting to consider: is it a good idea to remove the protections of law and order at a time such as this?”

In terms of the petition of concern, Robinson urged MLAs to consider what is “right”.

“Two other colleagues, I don’t care where they come from, two other colleagues to recognise that petty party politics are not as important as protecting our streets, protecting our communities and keeping people safe,” he said.

“I do trust that even as time is short that people will consider whether it’s right after the week we’ve just had that this Assembly would remove any prospect of criminal justice response for people involved in such wanton violence.”

He added: “They will have to answer for themselves as to how they can countenance this Assembly passing something they are fundamentally opposed to. They have the mechanism to stop it – yet they are refusing to do so.”