Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer clashed over the police and crime bill during prime minister's questions. The prime minister said the bill, which groups together a range of changes to enforcement and sentencing in England and Wales, will help protect women and girls from violent and sexual crime. But the wide-ranging bill, which passed its second reading last night, will also curtail the ability to protest in England and Wales – something that has been under scrutiny in the context of the police response to demonstrations after the death of Sarah Everard. 'He mentions the bill last night – that provided for longer maximum sentences for damaging a memorial than in the three cases of rape I've referred the House to,' Starmer said. 

UK politics live: Starmer accuses Johnson at PMQs of promoting bill protecting statues above women ► https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2021/mar/17/uk-politics-live-dominic-raab-covid-coronavirus-dominic-cummings-latest-updates

The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► https://bit.ly/3uhA7zg

Website ► https://www.theguardian.com
Facebook ►https://www.facebook.com/theguardian
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/guardian
Instagram ► https://instagram/guardian