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Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill

06 October 2020

Proposing MP
Chris Philp Con
Croydon South
Type
Bill Debate

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Chris Philp discusses the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill and the Government's response to a Lords amendment. The statement discusses the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill and its implementation of Helen's law, which requires the Parole Board to consider non-disclosure of key information during release decisions for serious offenders. The statement discusses the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill and its importance in supporting victims of abuse. The statement discusses the importance of proper communication with victims' families regarding prisoner release information, particularly in cases involving child abuse. Chris Philp supports the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill, which aims to ensure victims' families are informed about parole applications and other crucial information. The statement is about the procedure for the Reasons Committee meeting under social distancing measures.

Action Requested

The Government plans to roll out an opt-out victim contact scheme nationally as part of the new victims code, expected to come into effect in early 2021. Additionally, the Minister commits to meeting with the Victims' Commissioner and Labour Front Benchers to discuss further improvements to the victim contact scheme.

Key Facts

  • The Bill amends release provisions for offenders who do not disclose information about murder, manslaughter, or child abuse cases.
  • Baroness Kennedy’s amendment is deemed impractical due to existing systems like the National Probation Service's victim contact service.
  • A pilot opt-out programme has been running in many parts of the country and will be rolled out nationally as part of a new victims code expected in early 2021.
  • The first part of the Bill implements Helen's law, which forces the Parole Board to consider non-disclosure of key information during release decisions for murderers or manslaughter offenders.
  • The second part of the Bill guarantees similar protections for victims in cases involving sexual assault and child abuse.
  • Baroness Kennedy proposed Lords amendment 1 to address asymmetry in offender and victim rights, which was discussed but not contested by the MP.
  • The Victims' Commissioner expressed concern about variability in support for victims across different parts of the country.
  • Funding for victim support often comes from police and crime commissioners, leading to inconsistencies.
  • The speaker acknowledges the importance of moving towards a victims law as per their party pledge.
  • The majority of families found out about prisoner releases through social media or local media.
  • Schools have provided significant support to children affected by child abuse cases.
  • Pilot schemes with probation services will be rolled out nationally, including in Devon and Cornwall.
  • Victim contact schemes are important for ongoing communication and adjustments over time.
  • Chris Philp expresses support for the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill.
  • The Government is running a pilot opt-out system for regular updates on parole applications.
  • There will be more contact between the Prisons Minister and the Victims’ Commissioner.
  • The Reasons Committee meeting is relocated to Committee Room 12 due to social distancing requirements.
  • The sitting will be suspended for three minutes.
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