Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Victims: Right to Review

Thursday 4 June 2026 · 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 3 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The victims' right to review pilot scheme allows rape victims to have their case reviewed by another lawyer if the Crown Prosecution Service considers dropping the prosecution.
  • The Solicitor General has highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the victims' right to review scheme to ensure that victims are informed of its existence.
  • The Solicitor General provided an update on the progress of the victims' right to review scheme for rape victims and acknowledged the need for its national rollout.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Whitby Lab Derbyshire Dales
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from the need to evaluate a pilot scheme that allows victims of rape and other serious sexual offences an opportunity for their case to be reviewed by another lawyer if the Crown Prosecution Service is considering dropping the prosecution.

Question

What assessment have you made of the potential impact of the victims' right to review scheme pilot on victims of rape and other serious sexual offences?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

The victims' right to review pilot gives rape victims the opportunity for their case to be reviewed by another lawyer if the Crown Prosecution Service is considering dropping the prosecution. I have personally pushed for its roll-out, as it helps ensure that victims are given fairness and dignity and are heard. In April, the pilot was extended to a fourth area, CPS Wales, and I am determined to see national roll-out before the end of the summer.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Pakes Labour (Co-op) Peterborough
Justice & Courts
Context

The question is prompted by the need for greater awareness among families dealing with difficult cases of rape and other serious sexual offences, regarding their rights under the victims' right to review scheme.

Question

Can you tell us more about what you are doing to promote it, so that families and those involved are aware of its existence?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

I thank my hon. Friend for his comments and for highlighting the importance of the scheme for victims. We have already seen evidence of cases—which would otherwise have been stopped—continuing because of the pilot scheme. My hon. Friend is right that it is essential that victims are made aware of their right to request a review, if their case falls under the scheme, and that the CPS provides information about the scheme and how to access it.

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Q3 John Whitby Lab Derbyshire Dales
Justice & Courts
Context

The question comes from an interest in understanding how successful the current pilot of the scheme is, and when it might be rolled out nationally.

Question

Could the Solicitor General provide a progress update on the victims' right to review scheme pilot for victims of rape, and indicate when the scheme might be rolled out nationally?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting some of the steps already taken to support victims of rape and serious sexual violence. I am particularly proud of the introduction of independent legal advisers, which is something I worked on in opposition. It was a manifesto commitment, and I am pleased to see the Government deliver on it. The victims' right to review pilot has now been rolled out in four CPS areas, and I hope to see a national roll-out before the end of the summer.

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Q4 Zöe Franklin Lib Dem Guildford
Justice & Courts
Context

The question is prompted by the case involving Kenneth Law, a British citizen formally recognized in Canadian proceedings against him as being involved in suicide aiding and abetting. The UK's decision not to pursue extradition has left families devastated.

Question

What assessment has the Solicitor General made of the potential merits of extending the victims' right to review scheme to cases involving bereaved families affected by major cross-border prosecutions such as that one?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

I thank the hon. Lady for raising this incredibly harrowing case. As she will be aware, Kenneth Law has pleaded guilty in Canada to 14 counts of aiding and abetting suicide. Every one of the 73 victims who died in England and Wales has been formally named and recognised as part of those proceedings. Extradition proceedings carry significant legal risk and run the risk of the victims in England and Wales not being involved in proceedings.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific merits or lack thereof for extending the scheme to cross-border cases are not addressed, only the context of why extradition was not pursued is discussed.

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