Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co-op)

- Hansard -

I wish to draw Members’ attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests as a member of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers.

The petition relates to changes to the criminal injuries compensation scheme and I am presenting it on behalf of more than 700 USDAW members who believe that innocent victims of violent crime should continue to be compensated through the criminal injuries compensation scheme for all level of injuries. Many USDAW members—shop workers—have direct experience of being assaulted in the course of their employment.

The petition states:

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to ensure that proposed changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme are not proceeded with.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The Petition of members of Usdaw,

Declares that innocent victims of violent crime should continue to be compensated through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme for all level of injuries and in accordance with the scheme currently in operation; further that the Petitioners believe proposed changes to the scheme will result in taking 30,000 innocent victims of criminal assault out of the scheme altogether, or significantly reduce their right to compensation; and that many Usdaw members have first-hand experience of what it is like to be a victim of violence and compensation which was awarded through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme which was a lifeline to them and their families after going through a very difficult period financially and emotionally.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to ensure that proposed changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme are not proceeded with.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.]

[P001117]