Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Witherden and Sarah Sackman

Tuesday 17th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Sackman]

I thank the hon. Lady for raising an important point. The starting point is that judges decide what evidence is admissible and what weight to give to that, but we are interested in how evidence is being used in criminal trials. The Courts and Tribunals Bill will make changes—for example, to defendants’ bad character evidence. This will clarify that if a defendant has a previous domestic abuse conviction, the judge can say that this shows that they have a propensity to commit further domestic abuse offences, but I am happy to work with the hon. Lady on what further changes might be beneficial.

[Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr) (Lab)]

5. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on protecting the right to protest.