House of Lords debates further amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill during the report stage
Members of the House of Lords have continued their detailed scrutiny of the Crime and Policing Bill as the legislation progressed through the report stage in Parliament.
The latest debate took place on 11 March 2026, marking the fifth day of the report stage examination of the bill. The legislation forms part of the government’s broader efforts to address a wide range of criminal justice issues, including anti-social behaviour, knife crime, violence against women and girls, theft, child sexual abuse and youth radicalisation.
The report stage in the House of Lords allows peers to revisit specific provisions in a bill and propose amendments. It also provides an opportunity for further debate and votes on proposed changes following earlier committee stage scrutiny.
During the session, peers considered several amendments covering areas such as police escorts for vehicles or trailers, restrictions on wearing face coverings while cycling, lawful stops of keyless and electric vehicles, and notification requirements for individuals convicted of child cruelty offences.
Members also examined proposals relating to the re-investigation of misconduct allegations involving police officers who had previously been acquitted in court.
Four divisions were held during the debate. Peers approved three amendments to the bill. These included provisions addressing misconduct investigations where police officers have been acquitted, changes to the recording of non-crime hate incidents, and an extension of the duration of premises closure notices and orders.
Another proposed amendment, which sought to introduce a presumption against prosecution for alleged conduct by authorised firearms officers, was put to a vote but was not agreed.
The government also introduced a number of amendments during the report stage, which were accepted by the House. These changes addressed notification requirements for child cruelty offenders and provisions relating to the preservation of data in cases involving the death of a child.
According to parliamentary updates, these amendments followed earlier proposals and campaigning by members of both Houses of Parliament as well as public advocacy groups.
During the debate, ministers also indicated that further reforms could be brought forward at a later stage of the legislative process. These potential changes include adjustments to procedures for suspending chief constables and revisions to rules governing the disclosure of childhood criminal records.
The report stage has been scheduled across multiple sittings, reflecting the breadth of the legislation. Sessions have already taken place on 25 February, 2 March, 4 March, 9 March and 11 March, with a further sitting planned for 18 March 2026, subject to scheduling.
The bill will continue its progress through Parliament following the conclusion of the Lords report stage, where peers will complete their consideration of amendments before the legislation moves to its next stage.