Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, if he will ensure that only the Crown Prosecution Service is able to make decisions on the charging of individuals.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative organisations in England and Wales.

The statutory framework that determines by whom an offence is charged is set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.

The CPS determines the appropriate charges in more serious or complex cases. Minor offences are charged by the police.

The CPS advises the police on cases for possible prosecution, and reviews cases submitted by the police for prosecution in accordance with the principles set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.