Victims and Courts Bill

Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd Excerpts

Wednesday 15th April 2026 Lords Chamber

Motion E would mitigate the injustice of an unduly strict 28-day time limit on seeking such a referral. As the Minister said, the Motion would enable an extension of time where the interests of justice so require, while the six-month long stop would respect offenders’ right to finality in knowing the sentence that they are to serve. I am very grateful to the Minister for her acceptance of our suggestion that six months should be the time limit, and the gracious way in which she dealt with that today. These amendments will make the unduly lenient sentence scheme a much more effective and just protection for victims and their families than the scheme as it has operated to date. We are very grateful for what the Government have done to ensure that happens.

[Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd (CB)]

My Lords, on the Motion that has been proposed as regards private prosecutions, it is very urgent that this is brought into effect as soon as possible. If the proposal goes ahead for an extensive consultation of the kind envisaged, together with impact assessments and responses, I fear this would be a regrettable move, given the tremendous impact on the criminal justice system of the loss of funds.

[The Deputy Speaker (Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall) (Lab)]

My Lords, I now call the noble Baroness, Lady Brinton, to make a virtual contribution.