Swindon MP meets with Minister to call for tougher road crime penalties

By Barrie Hudson - 19 June 2026

CommunityCrime
  • Swindon North MP Will Stone with Adam and Kelly Parker

    Swindon North MP Will Stone with Adam and Kelly Parker

Tougher Penalties for unlicensed drivers and drivers who fail to stop are under review.


The move follows the road safety consultation and a positive meeting between the Minister for Local Transport, Swindon North MP Will Stone and Harry Parker’s father, Adam, and aunt Jaimie.

The three met with Minister for Local Transport Lilian Greenwood to discuss the inclusion of proposals from the Harry Parker Bill within the Government's road safety agenda. 

The Harry Parker Bill was brought forward by Will Stone following the collapse of a criminal case into the death of Harry Parker in November 2024. 

Harry was a much-loved 14-year-old boy with a passion for football, proudly bringing home trophies over the years, who lost his life in November 2022. 

Friends and teachers described him as popular, charming, and full of life. To his parents, he was everything.

His father, Adam, said: "He had the biggest heart and loved to make people laugh. He could light up a room with just his presence."

The loss of Harry shocked our entire community and was made worse by the driver responsible for his death being unlicensed, uninsured, and failing to stop at the scene of the crime. 

The tragedy and its circumstances spurred Harry’s family to fight for stronger road safety measures to build a legacy for Harry and prevent future heartbreak.

Determined to deliver on the family’s wishes and ensure no family endures the same experience, Will Stone MP introduced the Harry Parker Bill in February 2025. 

In June 2025, he tabled two amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill. 

These proposals have now been reflected in the Government's Road Safety Strategy, which commits to tougher action against those who fail to stop and report collisions, drive without a licence or insurance, or operate vehicles without a valid MOT which were subject to a 12-week public consultation involving local residents, road safety campaigners, and members of the public.

Mr Stone said: "The law has failed Harry’s family, they have not received justice, so it was incredibly important to be able to table the amendments and bring Harry's family to Parliament. 

"It's why I pursued a Ten-Minute Rule Bill, tabled amendments, and held meetings with ministers. Harry's legacy is one that will help make our roads safer. 

"I will continue to push for change, and I want to thank Harry's parents, Adam and Kelly, for their tireless determination and courage. 

"My goal is that by the end of this Parliament, there will be tougher penalties for failing to stop after a serious or fatal incident, driving without insurance a licence, or MOT. Today Minister Greenwood confirmed she has been taking that goal very seriously indeed."
 

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