Member

The judiciary accepts that, in principle, through our open courts and through the select broadcasting of sentencing in high-profile cases, transparency is vital, and this agenda must continue to be driven forward. The Government’s proposals fall far short, and at a time when public confidence in the justice system is under strain, transparency and accountability are not optional extras, but essentials. Lords amendment 7 delivers a clear, practical improvement for victims and others by guaranteeing, in primary legislation, the timely, free access to sentencing remarks. The Opposition will vote to keep it, and I urge the House to do the same.