Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department plans to increase the transparency of Parole Board decisions; and if he will make a statement.

The Government believes that there is a strong argument for reviewing the case for transparency in the process for parole decisions and how victims are appropriately engaged in that process.

The Secretary of State for Justice made a statement on this matter on 9 January in the House and has spoken to Nick Hardwick, the Parole Board Chair and Baroness Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner to discuss what changes might be made.

The review, which will be led by the Ministry of Justice, is being accorded priority so that decisions can be taken by Easter and I will share more information on this and the terms of reference shortly.