Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, led an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on the problem of unlicensed music events in his constituency. The debate was chosen at the specific request of the Speaker, and comes after months of campaigning by Christopher Fraser to ensure that the issue of illegal raves is addressed in Parliament.
In his speech to MPs, Christopher Fraser stressed that current regulations were an ineffective deterrent to rave-goers and rave organisers. While Police do have the power to direct people away from a rave, they are often so overwhelmed by the sheer number of people attending, that the most they can do is monitor proceedings.
Christopher Fraser urged the Home Office Minister, Vernon Coaker MP, to consider the extent of the distress caused to many of his constituents. Farming families and local residents have to endure very loud music and in some cases, threatening behaviour from rave-goers. After a rave has finished, they are left to deal with masses of litter, drug paraphernalia and human waste.
Speaking afterwards, Christopher Fraser said:
“I am most grateful to the Speaker for giving me the opportunity to raise the issue of raves in my constituency. As I said in the House, unlicensed music events are hugely profitable to the organisers – they have nothing to do with the altruistic values of young people. It is a “Get Rich Quick” formula that tramples on the rural economy. Costs are minimised, no tax is paid and there is no regard for anyone, or anything, but profit.
“There are plenty of first class licensed music venues in Norfolk, where events can be held legitimately and safely. Why should local people put up with unlicensed events on their land, if all they amount to is a money-raising exercise for the organisers?
“I would like to see a change in the legislation on raves so that the efforts of the Police are supported by legislation before, during and after an event. I would also like to see tougher sentences for offenders and fines that take into account the cost of clearing up the site. Landowners can spend thousands of pounds clearing their land. It just another constant battle the rural economy has to fight and it is time that those who organise and attend raves take responsibility for their actions.
“I think that my debate has given the Minister food for thought on how we might move forward. The tiny numbers of people prosecuted, quoted by the Minister, are evidence that the vast majority are getting away scot-free.
“I welcome the Minister’s assurance that the Government recognises the problem and is committed to tackling the issues I raised. I am grateful to him for passing my key points on shortcomings in the law to the Association of Chief Police Officers’ Sub-Group, and await their comments with interest. After the debate finished, the Minister approached me to confirm that he would also pass to the Sub-Group the question of compensation for landowners and farmers who have suffered financially. I think this is a positive and encouraging start and I am glad that progress is finally being made.” |