Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what provisions will be made to safeguard the rights of victims undergoing cross-examination as part of the Government's Victim's Strategy, published in September 2018, Cm. 9700 .

We have published the first cross-government Victims Strategy that makes clear our commitment to better support victims and witnesses during the court process. There are a range of special measures in place for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including victims who have to give evidence, in criminal justice proceedings to help them give their best evidence. These include, arrangements for live video links and screens around the witness box. Courts are also able to order that vulnerable witnesses receive assistance with communication, including the use of an intermediary, to help them understand the question they are being asked and to give their answers accurately. Pre-recorded cross-examination (or section 28) is the last special measure in relation to witnesses other than the accused to be implemented and we remain committed to rolling it out for vulnerable witnesses in Crown Court centres in England and Wales. Section 28 will also be tested for intimidated witnesses who are victims of sexual offences and modern slavery offences in three Crown Court centres.

We will encourage take up of pre-trial therapy. The Crown Prosecution Service are reviewing existing guidance and will publish new guidance and a toolkit for prosecutors and therapists following its completion.

Specialist training on cross-examining witnesses has been developed for advocates by the Inns of Court College for Advocacy to ensure they are able to give their best evidence. Advocates are also subject to professional regulation by the Bar Standards Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority.