Crime: Media Reporting

Debate between Baroness Neville-Jones and Baroness Harris of Richmond

Tuesday 8th February 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Neville-Jones]

My Lords, I think that many of your Lordships would agree with the proposition that there are wider issues involved. Indeed, there are wider categories of people involved, not simply the persons whom we have just been talking about. The Attorney-General wants to look at, first, the question of balance and, secondly, where you draw the line in relation to categories of people.

[Baroness Harris of Richmond]

My Lords, can the noble Baroness say why the Government changed their decision and dropped the proposed anonymity for those accused of rape?

[Baroness Neville-Jones]

My Lords, the noble Baroness asks a question that I cannot entirely answer—I do not have the depth of knowledge. I will seek an answer in writing for her. The Government have certainly been looking at this issue for some time and, in the light of this case, have decided that it needs to be gripped.