Stop the Speeders campaign to be debated in Westminster Hall

Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes is to lead a 30minute debate sparked by the Stop the Speeders campaign at Westminster Hall tomorrow.

The campaign is calling on the Government to push ahead with proposed legalisation from the Ministry of Justice to increase the maximum sentence for killer drivers.

Currently, people convicted of causing death by dangerous driving can get a maximum 14 years' in prison. The MoJ want to extend that to a life sentence.

The campaign by the Express & Star was launched on the back of two people being jailed for eight years each for killing victims on the road in the Black Country.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Hughes said: "The Government sometimes agree to do things, but there is then a delay in implementing the decision.

"As an MP I get the opportunity to call a debate and a Government minister must attend to provide a response.

"So this is an opportunity for me to press the Government to implement a change in the law and make a clear statement of how seriously we treat those who kill others while speeding.

"I’m hoping that the minister will give an indication of when we can expect a change in the law.

"Depending on the answer I can continue to press the Government again in the future."

The two cases which sparked the campaign were of Craig Edwards and Kade Scrivens, jailed for killing behind while the wheel.

Edwards, 29, of Cumberland Road in Walsall, was speeding when he killed grandfather John Hickinbottom in Walsall last June. He was over the drink drive limit.

On the same day of the sentencing, Scrivens, 24, of Booth Street, Handsworth, was jailed for killing 59-year-old Nicholas Harrison.

Scrivens lost control at a roundabout in Darlaston while speeding and hit Mr Harrison on November 22, before fleeing the scene.

A petition supporting the campaign can be signed at www.change.org/p/theresa-may-mp-killer-drivers-should-have-stiffer-sentences