Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Emma Lewell and Alex Davies-Jones

Tuesday 3rd June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Emma Lewell (South Shields) (Lab)]

My constituent Claire Ball was sexually abused as a child. As an adult, she faced her abuser in court. He was allowed to provide character references. Her good character was called into question, yet she was not allowed character references. Will my hon. Friend take steps to rectify this unfairness for victims such as Claire?

[Alex Davies-Jones]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that vital point. This Government are looking at character references carefully, and we will bring forward information on that in due course.