Worboys Case and the Parole Board

Kevin Foster Excerpts

Wednesday 28th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

Just to explain, there were two cases brought by the victims: one was on the substance of the decision, and one was on rule 25. On the substance of the decision, my Department did not oppose the victims. We stood back, and indeed we did nothing to hinder the victims, as I assured the House on 19 January. On rule 25, I had made it clear that I felt it needed to be changed. I considered that to be a matter for this House and for my Department, rather than that the previous rule was unlawful. I thought it was wrong; I did not think it was unlawful.

[Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con)]

I welcome the tenor of the statement that the Secretary of State has made. Given that many of us welcome the result achieved by the victims, will he reassure me that he will not oppose any requests from them for costs?

[Mr Gauke]

I assure my hon. Friend that the victims’ costs will be paid from the public purse.