UK Government Faces Opposition Over Criminal Justice Bill Impact on Homelessness

As the bill proposes fines and penalties for 'nuisance' rough sleepers, over 40 Conservative MPs, alongside numerous charities, urge reconsideration.

The Criminal Justice Bill could penalize homeless individuals for behaviors deemed as 'nuisance', including sleeping in doorways or having an 'excessive odour'.
Charities like Crisis and Amnesty UK criticize the bill as dehumanizing and counterproductive to solving homelessness.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins asserts the government's intent not to criminalize homelessness but to target aggressive begging and support vulnerable groups.
Amendments proposed by Conservative MPs seek to ensure the bill does not criminalize unavoidable rough sleeping.
Recent statistics indicate a 27% increase in rough sleeping in England, highlighting the urgency of effective homelessness policies.