CPS Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate 2026-02-05
2026-02-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows an assessment on the Crown Prosecution Service’s serious economic, organised crime and international directorate's work. Rachel Taylor references a conflict of interest involving the shadow Attorney General advising Roman Abramovich.
As a practising solicitor for more than 20 years, I am aware of the rules and professional guidance on conflicts of interest. Does the Solicitor General agree that the shadow Attorney General recusing himself from giving legal advice to the Leader of the Opposition because he would rather profit from advising Abramovich demonstrates where the priorities lie for this Conservative party when it comes to backing the Government on economic sanctions in defence of Ukraine and our national security?
It is utterly indefensible that the shadow Attorney General in the other place is acting as a lawyer for sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. He has recused himself from giving legal advice to the Conservative party on the issue of Ukraine and financial sanctions, sacrificing a key element of his role in order to work against our national interests. The Government are putting national security at the heart of every decision and stands in staunch solidarity with Ukraine.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Jim Shannon refers to an expansion of the victims’ right to review scheme, allowing rape and serious sexual assault survivors to request a case review by a different prosecutor before a final no-evidence decision.
The Solicitor General announced an expansion of the victims’ right to review scheme, allowing rape and serious sexual assault survivors who request a case review by a different prosecutor before a final no-evidence decision is made. That is welcome news. What discussion has taken place with counterparts across the United Kingdom—the Policing and Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly in particular—to ensure that there is a UK-wide path to justice?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his comments on the victims’ right to review scheme, which will give victims of rape and serious sexual violence a greater voice in the justice system. Too often, victims feel let down by a system that is supposed to be there to support them. I will ensure that I speak to my colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office to see what more can be done in respect of Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy