Oral Answers to Questions

Dan Aldridge Excerpts

Thursday 14th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Solicitor General]

We are looking at the victim’s right to review scheme closely. It is informing the subject discussions that I hope to have later today with the Director of Public Prosecutions. We are also working closely with the Victims’ Commissioner, who is raising issues around how we might reform this process. I can assure my hon. Friend that the CPS is looking at this matter closely. One thing it is introducing is that where no evidence is offered for the most serious rape and serious sexual offences, that decision is reviewed by a deputy Crown prosecutor before it is taken. That oversight is already producing results.

[Dan Aldridge (Weston-super-Mare) (Lab)]

8. What recent discussions she has had with regional mayors on rates of prosecution for street crime.

[Harpreet Uppal (Huddersfield) (Lab)]

9. What recent discussions she has had with regional mayors on rates of prosecution for street crime.

[The Solicitor General]

Council leaders and regional mayors play an important role in tackling the unprecedented challenges that this Government inherited. We are committed to working closely with local leaders to deliver the safer streets that our communities deserve. I have already met several deputy mayors, mayors and council leaders to discuss these important matters, and we will continue to do so in the months ahead.

[Dan Aldridge]

Shoplifting is a major concern for my constituents, businesses and retail workers in Weston-super-Mare, many of whom have contacted me for support. Shoplifting has increased massively, with more than 1,000 cases these past 12 months. That is a 31% annual increase. To reassure my constituents, can the Solicitor General outline what steps she is taking to prosecute those responsible for shoplifting?

[The Solicitor General]

My hon. Friend is right to raise this important issue. Shoplifting is a scourge in many of our constituencies. That is why this Government are committed to introducing respect orders and beefing up legislation to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour. We are also working with the CPS to ensure that we clamp down on assaults against shopworkers, which will be part of a new stand-alone offence, and we are re-committing to prosecuting in these core areas.