Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Serious Violent Crime Prosecutions

Thursday 25 May 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The CPS prosecuted over 103,000 cases of serious violent crime in 2022 with an 84% conviction rate.
  • CPS has been involved in pilot programs for serious violence reduction orders aimed at reducing knife crime.
  • The Minister offered to meet Ian Levy to discuss ways to better support victims of violent crime.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Levy
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from the need to ensure that the Crown Prosecution Service is effectively addressing serious violent crime. There is a focus on how recent cases are being handled and what steps are being taken.

Question

What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to support the prosecution of serious violent crime?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

This Government are committed to delivering justice for victims of serious violence, and I can confirm that the CPS prosecuted more than 103,000 cases of serious violence, firearm offences and homicides in 2022, with a conviction rate of over 84%.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps or policies being taken by the CPS were not detailed.

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Q2 Scott Benton
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Concerns over recent knife crime incidents in Blackpool have led to this question. The MP notes a specific case involving the arrest of an individual carrying a large machete.

Question

What action is being taken by the CPS to reduce knife crime offending both in Blackpool and across Lancashire as a whole?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his interest and knowledge in this area—not least because he seems to be drawn for these questions, week in, week out. Of course the CPS has been instrumental in the pilots of serious violence reduction orders, which are aimed at reducing knife crime, and it is right to say that those orders will provide an extra tool to help to crack down on violent crime.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific actions being taken to reduce knife crime in Blackpool were not clearly detailed.

How: Pay Tribute To My Hon. Friend For His Interest And Knowledge

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Q3 Ian Levy
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Recent incidents of violent crime in the constituency have led to this request. The MP emphasizes the need for better support for victims and families affected by violent crimes.

Question

Will my hon. and learned Friend meet me to discuss these cases, which have caused concern to my constituents, and how we can better support victims and their families by ensuring that the prosecution of violent crime is a priority?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his hard work on behalf of his constituents. It is right to say that tackling serious violence and improving the support we offer to victims is a priority for this Government. That is shown not least through the Victims and Prisoners Bill and the revised victims code.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific cases or meeting were not addressed directly.

How: Pay Tribute To My Hon. Friend For His Hard Work

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Q4 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Crime & Law Enforcement Northern Ireland
Context

There has been an increase in knife murders and people carrying knives or sharp instruments in Northern Ireland. The MP asks about discussions with the relevant Minister for Northern Ireland to ensure benefits from these measures.

Question

What opportunity has he had to discuss those matters with the pertinent Minister for Northern Ireland, to ensure that we also see some benefit from those measures?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

May I return the hon. Gentleman's compliment and pay tribute to him for his diligence in this House and for all that he does? In fact, the Attorney General has had very close links with Northern Ireland recently, and both she and I, with the Advocate General for Scotland, had the privilege of being called to the Bar in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions or opportunities were not detailed.

How: Return The Hon. Gentleman'S Compliment

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