Rachel has backed at the Government's Victims and Prisoners Bill during a speech in the House of Commons yesterday (December 4th).
The Bill's central mission, and that of the Conservative Government, is to ensure that victims are not just spectators in a criminal justice system, but are treated as participants in it.
It will do this by amplifying victims’ voices, ensuring they get the high-quality support they deserve, and make services more joined up better to support them.
The Bill will put the overarching principles of the Victims' Code on a statutory footing, sending a clear signal about the service that victims can expect. We will also place a new duty on criminal justice agencies to promote awareness of the Code so that victims are better informed.
An independent public advocate will also be created to speak up for those involved in major incidents such as the Grenfell or Hillsborough tragedies, as well as delivering further safeguards to the parole system to protect the public.
This is a powerful package of measures to support victims, enhance their rights, enhance confidence in the system and reflects the Government's clear commitment to victims.
Rachel said:
"My constituents in Redditch expect the law of the land to protect the law-abiding majority, and there is nothing as infuriating or frustrating to them than when perpetrators of crime receive more attention and support than their victims, which is why I welcome this Bill."
