← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Criminal Cases Review Commission
12 March 2024
Lead MP
Damian Collins
Folkestone and Hythe
Con
Responding Minister
Laura Farris
Tags
No tags
Word Count: 4299
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Damian Collins raised concerns about criminal cases review commission in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Minister to acknowledge these errors; for the CCRC to correct the record and reconsider Mr Cleeland's case; for the Law Commission to consider this case directly in their work on referrals based on safety principles; and for the Government to review the CCRC's response to Mr Cleeland's case.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the Criminal Cases Review Commission's handling of Paul Cleeland's case, which has been ongoing since his conviction in 1972 for murder. Mr Cleeland maintains his innocence and there are multiple issues with the evidence presented during his trial, including lack of forensic evidence linking him to the crime weapon and potential inaccuracies in witness statements. The CCRC's continued reliance on flawed evidence undermines the credibility of its process.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Barry Sheerman expressed support for the debate on miscarriages of justice, highlighting the work of his commission which evaluates adequacy in forensic science. He invited Damian Collins to join an all-party parliamentary group focusing on miscarriages of justice.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon commended Damian Collins for raising the debate, noting that out of 31,300 applications received by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, only 500 cases have been successful. He urged the Government to encourage more people in the process and improve the confidence in the system.
Government Response
Laura Farris
Government Response
Discussed the role of the CCRC since its inception in 1997, noting that it has referred 836 cases and resulted in 571 quashed convictions. Mentioned an 18% budget increase since 2021-22 to support increasing demand. Acknowledged scrutiny over recent cases but emphasized the CCRC's independence from government decisions based on parliamentary tests. Highlighted ongoing investigations into Andrew Malkinson's case and raised Mr Cleeland's concerns with the Lord Chancellor for further consideration.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.