Member

When draft regulations containing new offences or penalties are laid, they will be accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum that will justify in detail any provisions relating to criminal offences. Draft regulations will be introduced only after thorough engagement with the Ministry of Justice. Engagement will include the completion of a detailed justice impact test that justifies the need for such new offences. Statutory instruments will not be laid until those justice impact tests have been interrogated and agreed with the Ministry of Justice. We will also engage the justice departments of the devolved Governments, as required.