Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Victims of Sexual Abuse

Tuesday 3 June 2025 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government have doubled magistrate sentencing powers and funded more sitting days to address backlog
  • Sir Brian Leveson asked to propose bold reforms for swifter justice for victims
  • Government addressing Alexis Jay review recommendations and strengthening legislation to ensure perpetrators face full force of law

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tim Roca Lab Macclesfield
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The backlog of Crown court cases rose to record levels during the previous government's term, leaving many victims waiting years for their day in court. This includes victims of sexual abuse who are unable to process their trauma until their trial is over.

Question

What steps are the Government taking to ensure that victims of sexual abuse are not left waiting for years to see justice done?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)

This Government have doubled magistrate sentencing powers and funded a record number of sitting days to address the backlog. However, Sir Brian Leveson has been asked to propose bold reforms as part of the Government’s plan for change to deliver swifter justice for victims.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken other than doubling magistrate sentencing powers and funding more sitting days were not detailed.

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Q2 Saqib Bhatti Con Meriden and Solihull East
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

A case involving Daniel Clarke, a sexual offender who was sentenced to seven years for horrific acts against six vulnerable children, has raised concerns about the leniency of such sentences. The MP wrote to the Attorney General requesting a review but did not receive an immediate response.

Question

Will the Minister give assurances to my constituents, the House and the British public that such vile sexual predators will have the book thrown at them and that protecting our children is the only thing that matters?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)

I am pleased that the review is taking place. The Government is addressing the recommendations of the Alexis Jay review, putting measures in our Crime and Policing Bill and strengthening the Victims and Courts Bill to ensure perpetrators feel the full force of the law.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific assurances regarding sentencing or immediate changes based on the case mentioned by the MP.

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