Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Bill

Debate between Joy Morrissey and Lucy Allan

2nd reading & 2nd reading: House of Commons
Tuesday 11th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Allan]

I am grateful to the hon. Member for raising the rights of victims, particularly of women and girls, in this place.

[Joy Morrissey (Beaconsfield) (Con)]

I just wish to thank the Secretary of State for this Bill. On the issue of victims of child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, there is nothing better than holding abusers to account for those whom they have victimised. Forcing them to disclose their victims takes away their power, which is why this is such a welcome Bill. It shows that we are listening to the victims and saying to the perpetrator that they can no longer hold in their heart the secrets of the people that they have abused. I very much welcome that, and I thank the Secretary of State for his boldness in taking this forward.

[Lucy Allan]

I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention, and I agree with every word that she has said.

I wish to conclude by saying that this is a Government who are on the side of victims and their families, and that this is exactly what this excellent Bill intends to achieve. I urge Ministers on the Front Bench to continue their good work in this arena, and particularly to place some pressure on the Parole Board to focus on the rights of victims. Again, I thank the Government for all their good work.