Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a long-standing commitment in the Queen's Speech to bring forward legislation for victims' rights, with concerns over delays and consultation timing.
We first heard about this in the Queen's Speech four months ago. In the year ending March 2020, more than 600,000 women aged 16 to 74 were victims of sexual assault. For these women desperately needing legal protections, when can we expect this legislation?
A significant amount has been spent on increasing independent sexual violence advisers. The hon. Lady's impatience for the Bill is understandable, and a consultation will shortly be issued.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for legislation release was not provided
We Have Spent Significantly More Money
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern over the sentencing disparity for perpetrators of sexual violence against women, particularly highlighting the Sophie Moss case where a perpetrator received four years for homicide.
Sophie Moss was violently killed, but her killer only served four years. Does my hon. Friend think there is an opportunity with the victims Bill to look at sentence length for such homicides? Can I urge him to press the Director of Public Prosecutions on why these cases are often prosecuted as manslaughter?
Law Officers will look carefully at implications from the Sophie Moss case. The hon. Friend's concerns will be considered during the Bill's passage to ensure justice is seen by every victim.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Six-year-long promises of a victims Bill have left victims traumatised, with poor communication and repeated delays. A constituent reported sexual assault two years ago without resolution or explanation.
For six years, the Government has promised a victims Bill. Five Secretaries of State have made it their priority, yet victims wait in trauma. My constituent reported an assault two years ago; delay after delay means no progress or explanation for her case. One-third of victims would not report future crimes due to past experiences. Labour's Bill is ready. Will the Minister work with us? If not, why leave this young girl as an afterthought?
Ministers and public servants work daily to support victims; however, many are unsatisfied. The Government will bring forward legislation soon for consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about Labour's Bill was not addressed directly
Ministers Devote Themselves Every Day
A Deeply Unfair Characterisation
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's commitment to bring forward a victims Bill was announced in the Queen's Speech over four months ago. There has been no further update since then, raising concerns about delays and lack of action.
In the year ending March 2020, more than 600,000 women aged 16 to 74 were victims of sexual assault. For these women desperate for legal protections, when can we expect this legislation?
A significant amount has been spent on increasing independent sexual violence advisers. The hon. Lady's impatience for the Bill is understandable, and a consultation will shortly be issued.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for legislation release was not provided
We Have Spent Significantly More Money
Response accuracy