Watford MP Richard Harrington yesterday repeated his call for robust sentencing, as MPs held an emergency debate about the civil unrest that shocked the nation.

Mr Harrington, who earlier this week urged the courts to come down hard on trouble-makers, said that justice had to be seen to be done.

Speaking in the House of Commons, he asked Prime Minister David Cameron: “Does the Prime Minister agree with me that, for rioters, the biggest deterrent is not being brought to the courts and being convicted, but the courts handing down what the right hon. Member for Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears) described as some stiff sentences?”

Mr Cameron replied: “It is perfectly possible for courts to set some exemplary sentences, to send out a clear message, and I for one hope they will do just that.”

Speaking later, Mr Harrington said: “It is important that people know that if they commit crime that they will face repercussions for their actions, and that they should fear the threat of a custodial sentence. “If people do not have a reasonable expectation that their actions will have grave consequences then they will continue to commit crimes.

“It is more important than ever that justice is being done, and it is being seen to be done. We must also make sure that the Justice system is fit to facilitate this.

“ I chose to raise this matter in the Commons today to the Prime Minister as I feel it is very important that this matter is discussed fully and frankly.

Yesterday, 33-year-old Phil Padon, of no fixed address, was jailed yesterday for six months after admitting violent disorder on Tuesday night in Whippendell Road.