Rotherham MP demands “significant improvements” to “momentous” Victims Bill.

Sarah Champion, Labour MP for Rotherham, will urge the Government to go further with the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which has its second reading in the House of Commons today.

Commenting Sarah said:

“I've been campaigning for victims’ rights since my election 10 years ago. The criminal justice system has been hollowed out by the Conservative government and it's my constituents who are suffering the consequences.’

‘Working with Rotherham victims and survivors, the Victims Bill presents a momentous opportunity to correct the endless faults victims face when they try to secure justice.’

‘Victims’ rights are laid out under the Victims Code, but we know that as many as 6 in 10 victims do not currently receive their rights, such as being referred to support services and receiving a needs assessment under this system.’

‘This Bill is supposed to enshrine these rights into law, which is of course welcome, but in its current form the Bill still lack any monitoring or accountability to ensure it will be enforced.’

‘There are some positive measures in the Bill, both of which have been secured due to the campaigning of Rotherham abuse survivors; recognising children born of rape as victims and tackling police requests for unnecessary third party material, such as victims’ counselling notes. However, there is a long way to go until the Bill is fit for purpose.’

‘The Bill has the potential to be transformational for victims engaging with the criminal justice system. I will be fighting tooth and nail to make sure significant improvements are made. Too many victims are being let down by a lack of support and information, and we now have the chance to fix this broken system.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Victims and Prisoners Bill second reading debate will be available to watch here:

https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/80eb5dd4-7efc-4159-b2fa-98d42749850d

Sarah Champion will be one of the few MPs sitting on the Public Bill Committee for the Victims and Prisoners Bill which will scrutinise the Bill line by line. This will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 20th June until 13th July.