Following the sentencing of Axel Rudakubana, who killed three young girls in Southport, calls have been made to reinstate the death penalty in the UK. Reform UK MPs have urged a national debate on capital punishment, but the government spokesperson firmly rejected these calls, stating that there are no plans to bring back the death penalty. The spokesperson emphasized Parliament's long-standing opposition to the death penalty and highlighted the government's commitment to prioritizing a comprehensive public inquiry into the stabbings.
The spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed calls for a debate on reintroducing the death penalty . The spokesperson firmly rejected suggestions that the UK could reinstate capital punishment. Three MPs from the Reform UK party led the calls for the death penalty 's return following the sentencing of Axel Rudakubana , the Southport killer, to 52 years in prison.
Rudakubana stabbed three young girls – Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine – to death in July, days before his 18th birthday. International law prevents life sentences for individuals who committed crimes before reaching 18 years old. Amidst demands for a legal change that would allow Rudakubana to serve life in prison, Reform UK MP Lee Anderson posted a picture of a noose on social media with the caption: “This is what is required!” Fellow members of Nigel Farage’s far-right party, Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice, also urged a national debate on the death penalty, which has not been used in the UK since 1964. However, during a briefing with journalists this morning, a No.10 spokesperson stated: “The government has no plans to bring back capital punishment. Parliament abolished the death penalty over 50 years ago, and in free votes has consistently voted against its restoration in recent decades. In 1998, Parliament made clear in a free vote that it was opposed to the death penalty for all offences.” The minimum age for the death penalty was raised to 18 years old in 1933 before the policy was completely abolished in 1969. The spokesperson further informed reporters that the government is aiming to progress the public inquiry into the stabbings. He said the first step would be to “liaise with the families” as the government seeks to prioritize a “comprehensive” investigation. The representative from No.10 added that a clearer timetable will be established once the government has consulted with the coroner and given families the opportunity to respond. The spokesperson also condemned Rudakubana after he repeatedly disrupted court proceedings yesterday and had to be removed from the room. The law is already set to change so that criminals have to attend their own sentencing, prompting reporters to ask if this would still be appropriate in cases like the Southport stabbings. He responded: “Killers who refuse to look grieving families in the eye as judges hand down their sentences are beyond cowardly. However, attendance may not always be appropriate. For instance, when a defendant is purposefully disruptive to proceedings or displays offensive behaviour, and it is for the court which will always have discretion to make whatever decisions are in the best interest of justice.”
DEATH PENALTY UK GOVERNMENT REFORM UK SOUTHPORT STABBINGS PUBLIC INQUIRY AXEL RUDAKUBANA
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