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647 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Fifth sitting)I beg to move amendment 17, in clause 1, page 1, line 16, at end insert— “(e) where the person has experienced child criminal exploitation;”. This amendment would include victims…27 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Fifth sitting)As I set out in my speech, the police and crime commissioners decide in each area. If someone is a victim of antisocial behaviour, they are not guaranteed any support. Victims of…27 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Fourth sitting)Q Thank you very much for coming here, being so honest and speaking really deeply on this awful tragedy. I want to ask you about a duty of candour. We heard this morning from…22 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Fourth sitting)Don’t worry about that. Jenni Hicks: Where you do not lie, but you do not tell the truth. I am talking about telling the proper truth, because often you do not actually lie, but…22 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (First sitting)Q Tell me about child criminal exploitation. Do you think that should be on statute? Dame Rachel de Souza: Yes, absolutely. I was going to bring that up with the definition of…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (First sitting)Q We have seen part 3 come into the Bill at a late stage, so it includes victims and prisoners. In your view, does this detract from the main elements? Can you comment on what the…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)I was actually referring specifically to the CPS, because that was raised in the report. Thank you.20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q So you are saying that the victims who come to you for support will not see any tangible difference unless the Bill is strengthened? Rachel Almeida: Yes.20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q Gabrielle, do you want to comment? Gabrielle Shaw: Yes. That is a really good point. I love what you just said about the tangible difference it makes to victims and survivors.…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q I will start by asking each of you to talk briefly about what you think of the Bill, and the Government’s definition of “victim” set out in it. Gabrielle Shaw: This is my…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q Can you expand on the child criminal exploitation element? Do you feel that there is a need to have a statutory duty in the Bill on child criminal exploitation? Duncan Craig:…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Yes—and a definition. Duncan Craig: I get a bit nervous around this particular subject, because no matter where I have worked—whether it is the past 15 years within my…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q Okay. Does anyone else want to comment on the importance of having a statutory definition of child criminal exploitation? Gabrielle Shaw: I am not—20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q Rachel, do you think that the role of the Victims’ Commissioner should be strengthened? Rachel Almeida: Definitely. It should be at least on a par with the Domestic Abuse…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q What difference do you think that will make to victims and victims’ experiences? Rachel Almeida: It is enabling the Victims’ Commissioner to be that champion for victims and…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q Do you feel that that is about commissioner oversight being strengthened? Duncan Craig: Absolutely, and not just locally either, but nationally. There is something about…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q Before I finish and we move on, we have parts 2 and 3 of the Bill, with part 3 put in at relatively late notice and little consultation. Do you have anything to say about part…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)Q That is fine. Rachel, what is your opinion on the code, as set out in the Bill? Is it enforceable? Rachel Almeida: The code is a really important document, which the Bill puts…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (Second sitting)We have been waiting eight years for it. Rachel Almeida: I feel like the level of scrutiny given to the first part has not been allowed for the other two parts. We obviously…20 Jun 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners Bill (First sitting)Q Do you think the services there are adequate for children? Dame Rachel de Souza: I have seen some very diverse and excellent services. I would first point out The Lighthouse,…20 Jun 2023