Joint Enterprise - Crime and Policing Bill
Crime and Policing Bill:
In June 2025, I tabled NC13 to the Crime and Policing Bill seeking to change the law on this discriminatory doctrine in Parliament once again.
The amendment, rooted in the same principles as my previous Private Member’s Bill, aimed to stop the continued misuse of joint enterprise laws, which have led to the wrongful imprisonment of thousands – disproportionately young Black men and children – for crimes they did not commit. Amendment NC13 would require proof of a significant contribution to a crime before a conviction for secondary liability can be secured. It sought to enshrine a clearer, fairer test in law, and end speculative prosecutions based on presence alone.
Despite having the backing of legal experts, campaigners, and families affected by wrongful convictions, as well as a previous public commitment from the Labour front bench to reform joint enterprise law, my amendment was unfortunately not backed.
However, I continue to have positive discussions with Ministers who are keen to continue the conversation on changing joint enterprise law.
You can watch a short clip from the debate on my Facebook page here: