Oral Answers to Questions

Elsie Blundell Excerpts

Tuesday 11th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Jake Richards]

As I have already said, it is absolutely right that we continue to have those discussions with the relevant trade unions. Let me be absolutely clear on behalf of the Government: we understand that the work and working conditions of prison officers are getting harder, and we are in the business of trying to help them.

[Mrs Elsie Blundell (Heywood and Middleton North) (Lab)]

10. What steps his Department is taking through the criminal justice system to help to support victims of technology-assisted child sexual abuse.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)]

Supporting victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse is a priority for this Government. The Ministry of Justice funds police and crime commissioners across England and Wales as well as more than 60 specialist sexual violence organisations that provide local support services for all victims, including victims of technology-assisted child sexual abuse.

[Mrs Blundell]

I thank the Minister for her answer. We all know of the increasing and sinister use of technology in the appalling sexual abuse of children and young people. To address that, will the Minister consider extending the unduly lenient sentence scheme to include all TACSA offences and commit to a ban on the technologies that generate deepfake and sexually abusive images of children?

[Alex Davies-Jones]

My hon. Friend asks an important question. Parliament intended the unduly lenient sentence scheme to be an exceptional power, and any expansion of the scheme must be carefully considered. She will be aware that we had a recent debate on this issue on the Floor of the House in considering the Victims and Courts Bill. I have heard the strength of feeling in this House and among campaigners on this matter, and I am looking at it closely.