Labour promises to repeal 1824 vagrancy law

Away from Brexit, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn promised to repeal a 19th century law that criminalises begging and rough sleepers if he becomes Prime Minister.

The 1824 vagrancy act, which made it a crime to beg and sleep rough, was repealed in Scotland nearly four decades ago.

But it remains in force in England and Wales where thousands of prosecutions take place each year resulting in fines of up to £1,000. Labour says that it criminalises some of the most vulnerable people in society.