Responding to Robert Jenrick’s remarks in the House of Commons that the Vagrancy Act should be repealed, Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and International Development, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Robert Jenrick thinks the outdated, cruel Vagrancy Act should be consigned to history. The Liberal Democrats and colleagues on all sides agree and have been urging him to repeal for years.
“In 2021 sleeping rough should not be a crime. Scrapping this archaic law represents the first step in a journey to taking a more compassionate and holistic approach to homelessness.
“I’ve already introduced a cross-party Bill that would repeal it in a heartbeat. It’s time for Jenrick to follow through on his word, pick it up and scrap the Act.”
The Vagrancy Act 1824 makes it an offence to beg or sleep rough in England and Wales.