Serious Fraud Office Director 2023-10-19
2023-10-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to assess the implications of the new director's appointment on existing policies.
What assessment has been made of the implications for her policies of the appointment of the new director of the Serious Fraud Office?
The Attorney General and I met the new director, Nick Ephgrave, yesterday and discussed the SFO's priorities, including continuing to deliver its day-to-day mission and driving forward lasting improvements to its operations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a detailed assessment of policy implications but provided general information on meeting with the new director
General Statement
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from constituents contacting the MP about being victims of financial scams orchestrated by large organised criminal gangs, affecting vulnerable community members.
I have been contacted by constituents who have been victims of financial scams carried out by large organised criminal gangs, which often target the more vulnerable in our communities. What steps is the Solicitor General taking to end the scourge of these frauds and scams, and will it be a priority for the new director of the SFO?
I can tell my hon. Friend that the SFO announced a criminal investigation just last week into a suspected fraud at Safe Hands Plans, a funeral plan provider with 46,000 plan holders before its collapse last year. My hon. Friend has raised this very point during an earlier debate, and I am grateful to him for that.
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Assessment & feedback
Focused on announcing an investigation but did not provide specific steps or confirm a priority status for the new director
Mentioning An Existing Case
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question focuses on the new SFO director's approach to high-profile fraud cases, particularly questioning the outcome for Bernie Ecclestone.
Will the new head of the SFO take the job very seriously and look again at some of the big fraudsters and at the penalties? Will the Solicitor General ask the new director why Bernie Ecclestone did not go to prison for massive fraud against the tax system?
The hon. Gentleman gives me the opportunity to pay tribute to the new director. He is the right candidate for the job. He brings a wealth of experience. He will listen to what the hon. Gentleman says and to what we all say in this Chamber.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific cases or review requests but paid tribute to the new director's capabilities
Flattery
General Statement
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the perceived decline in SFO's effectiveness with recent case closures and staffing issues.
I join the Solicitor General in welcoming Nick Ephgrave as he takes on one of the most difficult jobs in law enforcement. His arrival in post was announced by the SFO abandoning the three long-running and expensive prosecutions of Rio Tinto, Eurasian Natural Resources, and the Alpha and Green Park group. That follows a chain of failed cases, from G4S and Serco to Unaoil. With permanent staff vacancies of around 25%, and a case load that has fallen by half in recent years, why should the new director think that this lame duck Government will make the SFO a hawk in the world of financial crime?
I will ignore the snide comment at the end but I will address the substance of the hon. Gentleman's question, which he is right to ask. It is also right to say that it is always disappointing when cases are closed, but criminal investigations that no longer meet the public interest test, as he well knows, simply cannot continue.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct answer on staffing and support for SFO but discussed case closures
Rebuke
General Statement
Response accuracy