Should we allow convicts to become MPs?

By Ricki Lake

When I was younger, I had problems with my family and I ended up in the wrong crowd. I was arrested and convicted at the age of 24 and given a two year probation order. Now I’m 30 and I haven’t been arrested since. Should I be allowed to stand for Parliament?

In the Laws we pass and our general discussion, we often speak of giving someone a second chance. But if you have served a sentence of twelve months or more, you are not allowed to stand for Parliament. Shouldn’t we let people with real life experiance help craft policy so we can help people instead of demonising them?

If there was one thing that’s impressed me with Mr Cameron, it was his “hug a hoodie” policy. Children need love – not stigma. But if we carry on with the current policy we will have more career MPs. We need former drug addicts to advise on drug policy and we need former prostitutes advising on the subject.

If we want people convicted to be rehabiltated then shouldn’t they be allowed to stand for Parliament?