Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2018 to Question 131392 on Sexual Offences: Newcastle upon Tyne, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Spicer Review on his Department's existing programme of work.

With regard to local programmes of work, CPS North East is working closely with Newcastle Crown Court and other partners within the Criminal Justice System to improve the experience of victims and witnesses when attending court and to ensure that the commitments to witness care set out in the Victim’s Code and the Witness Charter are properly delivered.

In line with the broader recommendations made, the CPS will be considering its guidance on the involvement of the Service with the changing local safeguarding arrangements. While the CPS has no prescribed statutory obligations under the new arrangements, they will ensure that prosecutors are aware of the changes and we will continue to make a positive contribution. The CPS will also continue to work closely with other agencies in order to contribute to any relevant cross-Government strategies pertaining to Serious Case Reviews.