Criminal Law (Amendment) (Protection of Property) Bill

Key Points

• Amends section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 (England and Wales) and section 3 of the Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 to update use-of-force provisions.
• Aims to provide clearer, more predictable rules on when defensive force or force to prevent crime is lawful.
• Seeks to align Northern Ireland law with England and Wales provisions.
• Intended to guide ordinary people, homeowners, tenants and businesses in how force may be used and how such cases may be viewed by prosecutors and courts.
• The bill is at the second reading in the Commons; if it progresses, it would move to Committee stage for detailed examination, followed by further readings in both Houses.

Progress

Currently at the second reading in the Commons. If it progresses, it will move to Committee stage for detailed examination and then to further stages in both Houses.