Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress has been made on the consultation on the need for a victims of crime law which was announced on 18 January 2017.

On 18^th January 2017 Baroness Williams of Trafford stated in the House of Lords that the Government was considering how to address a lack of awareness among victims of their rights under the code. Baroness Williams further stated that the Government is considering how compliance with the code might be improved or monitored, and exploring how those responsible for the delivery of rights and entitlements might be held accountable for failings. Baroness Williams then committed to the House that the Government would set out a strategy for victims.

I can confirm that this Government is committed to publishing a strategy for victims in early 2018. We are engaging with engaging victims, victims’ groups, and criminal justice agencies. We are working with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners to better understand compliance with the Victims’ Code at a local level. We will be carrying out further engagement which we will announce in due course.