Government Suffers Double Defeat in Lords Over Crime and Policing Bill
The UK government has suffered two significant legislative defeats in the House of Lords over its flagship Crime and Policing Bill, as peers voted to reinsert key amendments during the bill's ping-pong stage between the two Houses.
The defeats, which occurred on 22 April 2026, mark a fresh setback for the government as it attempts to steer its wide-ranging policing legislation through Parliament. The bill, which covers anti-social behaviour, police powers, terrorism, and national security, has been the subject of intense parliamentary scrutiny.
Background
The Crime and Policing Bill has been moving between the House of Commons and the House of Lords in a process known as "ping-pong," where each House considers and votes on amendments proposed by the other. The Lords had originally made 532 amendments, with 27 opposed by the government. The bill has been on its "home straight" according to the Minister for Policing and Crime, Sarah Jones, but the latest votes have complicated its passage.
Key Developments
The first defeat centred on a crackdown on for-profit fixed-penalty notices (FPNs). Peers backed a proposal to empower local councils to strip private companies of their authority to issue fines if a financial incentive is involved — a measure the government had argued was unnecessary. The second defeat came as peers insisted on a mandatory review into whether any Iran-related entities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), should be proscribed as terrorist organisations.
The government had proposed an amendment in lieu requiring only a statement to Parliament within six months of Royal Assent about general proscription policies, but the Lords maintained their position that a specific review of Iran-related entities was essential. According to Parliament.uk, the bill will now return to the House of Commons for further consideration.
Why It Matters
The defeats highlight the ongoing tension between the elected Commons and the appointed Lords, and raise questions about the government's ability to manage its legislative programme. The IRGC proscription issue is particularly sensitive given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Iran's seizure of ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
What's Next
The bill is scheduled to return to the Commons for further consideration on 27 April 2026, followed by another Lords session. The government will need to decide whether to accept the Lords' amendments or continue to resist them, potentially prolonging the bill's passage further.
