Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

John Cryer Excerpts
Tuesday 20th February 2024

(2 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alex Chalk Portrait Alex Chalk
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I certainly will meet my hon. Friend. He has been assiduous for many years in raising this matter on behalf of his constituents. The Parole Board does an exceptionally good job. There are two cases in which decisions appear to have been overturned because they were irrational, and that is why I am meeting the Parole Board tomorrow.

John Cryer Portrait John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)
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The Justice Secretary mentioned the duty of candour that he imposed on the police. Has he considered legislating to introduce the same for all public bodies?

Alex Chalk Portrait Alex Chalk
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I can say that we want to extend that duty to healthcare settings, because we do not want health professionals closing ranks when something goes wrong. It is important to say that since Hillsborough there have been so many changes, including through the Inquiries Act 2005, which mean that there can be criminal liability for those who do not do what the hon. Gentleman and I must think is a matter of common sense, which is to tell the truth.