Speeches by Davies-Jones.

“I was pleased to attend the Justice Committee to discuss how important section 28 is to vulnerable witnesses and victims, and the difference that it makes by allowing victims of rape and sexual offence crimes specifically to be maintained within the justice system, allowing them to give their evidence in a safe manner …”

“The hon. Member makes an important point. I would like to take this opportunity to put on the record my thanks to everyone who does their civic duty by taking part in jury service. Juries are a cornerstone of our justice system and carry out an important function. There is support available for jurors, and I am so sorr…”

“Supporting victims and witnesses is key to ensuring that offenders are brought to justice. Measures are in place to support victims. We have already discussed those measures, such as section 28 and the Ministry of Justice-funded victim and witness services. The witness service provides emotional and practical on-the-da…”

“I thank the hon. Member for that really important question. All my thoughts are with Louise and, sadly, so many like her who are waiting for justice. We know that justice delayed is justice denied. That is why we asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct the once-in-a-generation reform of our criminal courts system: to ensure…”

“All my thoughts are with Billy and the family for the horrific tragedy they have suffered. My hon. Friend will know that we are debating the Sentencing Bill later today, looking at how we redress the balance here. The Law Commission is also doing a special piece of work looking at homicide law, and I would happily disc…”

“May I put on the record my sincere gratitude to the WomenCentre for doing all it can to support the victims of these crimes? Support services are a vital element of ensuring that victims and witnesses engage with the criminal justice system, and are kept informed about the uptake of their trial. We have ringfenced fund…”

“I have had several productive conversations with the chief coroner, looking at how we can make the inquest process as quick as possible to ensure that the bereaved are supported and not left traumatised waiting for their inquest. The Bill we are laying before Parliament today, the Hillsborough law, has many parts looki…”

“We will be consulting on a new victims code in due course to make sure that all these crimes are captured, so that we can support all victims. I would be happy to discuss this matter further with the right hon. Gentleman.”

“The whole House will be utterly horrified at the cases of Zoe and Cody and what they have had to go through. Dignity for our deceased should be upheld by all as something of fundamental importance. My colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that we get funeral regulation right, and I am working on that with colleagu…”

“On 15 July, the Fuller inquiry recommended introducing statutory regulation for funeral directors. The Government recognise the urgency of the concerns raised and we are carefully considering all the recommendations. The Government have committed to responding to the inquiry with an interim update on progress this year…”

“I commit to look at that further.”

“I am happy to meet Voices to discuss that guidance. We have been working with organisations like the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service and CAFCASS Cymru to ensure that victims and survivors have the best support available when they are navigating the family court process.”

“We do have the data on that, Chair. Since 2022, since the overall roll-out happened, the number of witnesses that have accessed it are around 8,609. For adult rape cases, it is just under 20% of all those cases now are using section 28. That is one of many several measures, as Committee members will be aware, that vict…”

“No, we have no current scope to expand the criteria from which victims are eligible to use section 28 or other special measures. We are keen, as you will have heard, to make sure that the existing cohort is able to access the measures in the best possible way, via the best digital audio and video equipment available, a…”

“No, not currently, Chair. If the witness is an intimidated witness or a vulnerable witness, as per the categories currently set out under the criteria, they are eligible, but it is not currently given to all domestic abuse victims.”

“Not so much resource or capacity, it is more that we want to understand how best it is being used currently and make sure that we get it to the right place for existing cohorts of victims rather than expanding it or reducing it.”

“Our impact evaluation on section 28 has shown some real benefits to victims. Rape Crisis England and Wales has said that having access to section 28 has meant a victim being engaged in the criminal justice process and choosing to stay and seek a criminal prosecution or not. That speaks volumes, especially when we know …”

“He will know that this is a contract we inherited from the previous Government and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on contract arrangements with a private contractor. However, I can reassure him that his comments will be passed on to the Prisons Minister and the new Lord Chancellor, who is now in place, t…”

“Yes, it will be looking at special measures as part of the efficacy.”

“Yes, absolutely. You mentioned the CPS. We have been working closely with the Office of the Solicitor General and the CPS specifically on this, and there is now a payment available to these barristers, an extra £1,000 if they take part in the pre-trial evidence hearings, to make that more attractive for them to be able…”