Straw in debate over priest's shop thefts plea
JUSTICE Secretary Jack Straw has entered the controversy over a York priest who said it was sometimes all right for needy people to shoplift. Mr Straw told MPs the remarks not only contradicted Government policy but "are also contrary to the ten commandments, as I recall".
He made his comments after Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh this week urged him to "deplore" the comment made before Christmas by Father Tim Jones, parish priest of St Lawrence and St Hilda in York, that stealing from large national chains was sometimes the best option many vulnerable people had.
Ms McIntosh has been campaigning against the use of fixed penalty notices for repeat shoplifters.