Tory MPs today hailed plans for tougher community punishments being pushed by David Cameron.
Amid fears Justice Secretary Ken Clarke is being seen as soft on crime, backbenchers welcomed proposals for 16-hour curfews and new powers to confiscate passports and credit cards. Downing Street is understood to be closely involved in drawing up the plans before a consultation to be launched in the coming weeks.
They would see offenders sentenced to a "virtual prison", with the threat of being hauled back to court if they breach strict house arrest terms.
A No 10 source said the Prime Minister was "very clear" that he wanted community sentences to be "tougher and command public confidence". Justice ministers, including Mr Clarke, have also stressed they want to stop the punishments being seen as a soft alternative to jail, at a time when prisons are almost full.
Wellingborough MP Peter Bone urged Mr Clarke to take up the proposals "with vigour", adding: "The Prime Minister is right if he wants to restore credibility to this programme because until people think this is a real punishment people will continue to think that community sentences are just a joke."
Kettering MP Philip Hollobone said the plans would enjoy "popular support", while Witham MP Priti Patel added: "If it is coming from the Prime Minister this is a positive step forward and a strong commitment."
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "We want to ensure offenders are properly punished and effectively rehabilitated, and we are still considering a variety of options."
