Contributions
1,222 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Third sitting)I thank the Minister for that feedback. Perhaps we need to consider how the amendment is drafted, but does she accept the principle? There is no other example I can think of where…19 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Third sitting)I beg to move amendment 19, in clause 3, page 6, line 20, leave out from “not” to end of line 25 and insert “ceases to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on…19 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Third sitting)We all recognise that this is a novel measure. I do not think that anyone is suggesting introducing a blanket measure. For example, we have used the custodial threshold as a…19 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (First sitting)Q Is it ever an element of the community resolution process that a perpetrator might agree to make some kind of financial compensation voluntarily? Rebecca Bryant: That is not…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (First sitting)Q Moving on to victim personal statements, commonly referred to as victim impact statements, I have heard directly from victims and family members that they are sometimes told to…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (First sitting)Just to make you aware, the Law Commission’s current consultation paper says that it does not recommend any change to that time period, so I am interested in your views on that…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (First sitting)Q You will be aware that there is a 28-day time limit on the ability of anybody, including victims and their families, to appeal a sentence, given your experience of working…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (First sitting)Q There have been reports of victims of crime and their families not even necessarily being aware of the existence of the unduly lenient sentence scheme. Does the CPS have a role…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (First sitting)Q I am Dr Kieran Mullan, Committee member and shadow Justice Minister. You will be aware that at least part of the Bill aims to make changes to how the unduly lenient sentence…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you. On the issue of restraint and the use of force, would you accept that the prison service is experienced and very capable when it comes to using force in certain…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q Would I also be correct in saying, from looking at your areas of expertise, that you do not have any particular expertise on issues such as physical restraint, the moving of…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q If you accept in principle that it can be done, and that it is done in other countries, why— Alex Davies-Jones: In the same way that anything can be done, but it is not as…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q I am Kieran Mullan, the shadow Minister. Forgive me, but I want to understand your capacity to give evidence as civil servants. Would I be correct in saying that, if you were…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q Lastly, the victim contact scheme and the helpline will be made available to a wider group of victims. Do you welcome that? What difference do you think it will make? Mark…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q You mentioned children, and I want to ask you about the parental responsibility measures in the Bill. Under the Government’s proposed measure, if an offender is sent to prison…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q It is really welcome that you are here. There is an understandable focus on women and girls, but these issues do not just affect women and girls, so it is great to have your…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q I have a final question about the unduly lenient sentence scheme. As you may be aware, victims and anyone else really have 28 days to appeal an unduly lenient sentence. In the…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q There was a discussion earlier this morning about the extent to which force might be used to compel someone to attend. We have had the opportunity to speak to other members of…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q You mentioned the sentencing hearings, Paula. I want to move on to questions about the new measures to compel people to attend their sentencing hearing. First of all, we tabled…17 Jun 2025HANSARDVictims and Courts Bill (Second sitting)Q I am Kieran. Just for transparency, as with some of the other witnesses this morning, I want to say that we have had the opportunity to meet previously and discuss some of these…17 Jun 2025