Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robert Buckland and Priti Patel

Thursday 22nd March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Last but not least—and never forgotten—I call Priti Patel.

[Priti Patel (Witham) (Con)]

11. What steps the CPS is taking to support victims of crime.

[The Solicitor General (Robert Buckland)]

The CPS takes its responsibilities to support victims and witnesses very seriously. We want to reduce the stress of court and ensure that all victims and witnesses can give their best evidence. For example, CPS advocates are responsible for speaking to complainants and witnesses before or at court so that they feel better supported.

[Priti Patel]

Will my hon. and learned Friend explain to my constituent, who was violently assaulted and received horrific life-changing injuries in an awful crime, exactly how the CPS is supporting victims of crime? In this case, the perpetrator of the attack received 22 months in prison and was released early, and the CPS failed to pursue a compensation order against him.

[The Solicitor General]

I thank my right hon. Friend for the way she is pursuing justice for her constituent. There is a natural limit to what I can say appropriately in the House on this matter, but I wish to offer her a meeting with the chief Crown prosecutor for the east of England to discuss this troubling case in more detail.