Ministers promise strict new laws to curb acid sales after horrific wave of attacks in London
MINISTERS are to unveil a clampdown on acid attacks.
A cross government push to tighten a series of laws is imminent and could come as early as tomorrow, No10 sources have revealed.
Action is expected to include making it harder to buy dangerous products and lengthening jail terms so judges can throw the book at twisted assailants.
A Home Office Minister yesterday hinted the moves were on the way yesterday while reacting to the shocking wave of attacks in North London.
Sarah Newton insisted the government is “determined to do something” to halt the spiralling crime.
The Tory minister and MP said: “We are working with retailers to see what further restrictions we can put in place
“But we all have to recognise these substances are underneath all of our kitchen sinks, next to our loos
in the bathroom.
“These are commonly available substances, so it is not an easy problem to solve.”
MPs have also called for legal changes.
Labour MP for East Ham Stephen Timms is leading a Parliamentary debate on acid attacks next week after a shocking attack on two cousins in his constituency.
He wants a reclassifying of sulphuric acid, so people need a license to buy it.
Speaking to The Sun, Mr Timms explained it is already a restricted substance under rules on buying “explosives precursors” – bomb-making equipment- but is at the lower grade.
Politicians on all sides joined the calls last night, after it emerged acid attacks spiralled by 70 per cent last year.
Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said: “Just like knives and guns, acid is being used in murders, robberies and rapes.
“With very few prosecutions it is clear that we do not have the tools necessary to investigate and prevent these attacks.”
Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron added: “Acid is a potentially deadly weapon that can cause life-changing injuries, it must be treated as such.”
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Downing Street insisted that it was already an offence to carry acid or a corrosive substance with intent to cause harm.
Theresa May’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister views the use of acid in this way as horrific and we want to work with the stakeholders to see what more can be done.
“It’s clearly an extremely serious issue, which is why we’re carrying out work to see what more we can do.”
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