Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Greg Mulholland and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 25th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Dr Phillip Lee)]

This case is particularly emotive and has been in the media. As I understand it, clinicians at Great Ormond Street have made a judgment on this case. I think that that should be respected.

[Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD)]

Knowing the huge cross-party support for better justice for victims of criminal driving, will the Minister today commit to bring in the legislation that has been promised before the end of this year if the Government are re-elected?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Greg Mulholland and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 1st November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD)]

11. What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of sentencing policy for criminal driving offences.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Dr Phillip Lee)]

The Government are very much aware of the concerns expressed about sentencing for driving offences. We are committed to making sure that the courts have sufficient powers to deal with driving offences appropriately and proportionately. We will consult by the end of the year on those offences and penalties.

[Greg Mulholland]

Members across the House have supported families who have lost family members to the most reckless criminal driving. Members have also had to support such families through the reality of being failed by our justice system. The Department announced a review two and a half years ago, which should have concluded by now. Three Secretaries of State later, we are told again that there will be consultation this year. It is not good enough. Can the Minister give the House a clear date when the review will finally be published and there will be more justice for victims of criminal driving?

[Dr Lee]

I am aware that a constituent of the hon. Gentleman was recently knocked down and killed by a driver over the drink-drive limit, and I offer my deepest condolences to the family of that constituent. Parliament sets the maximum penalties for road traffic offences, and we intend to consult by the end of the year on driving offences and penalties for the most serious cases that result in death or serious injury.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Greg Mulholland and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 6th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD)]

Too often the victims of criminal driving and their families are not actually treated as victims of crime, but told that they have been involved in an accident. How can that culture be changed, and when, finally, will we get the review of sentencing for these types of offences?

[Dr Lee]

I do not believe that that is in my purview, but if the hon. Gentleman writes to me I will by all means reply to him on the issue. I agree that victims in such situations need more protection and that the culture needs to change.