Member

Lords amendments 5 and 6 deal with the unduly lenient sentence scheme. Let me first express my gratitude to bereaved victims and campaigners—particularly Katie Brett and Tracey Hanson, who have so tirelessly raised issues relating to the scheme with great commitment on behalf of victims—and to the Victims’ Commissioner for her support on behalf of victims everywhere, and for raising this matter consistently. I also thank all Members who have drawn the Government’s attention to problems with the scheme. I say to them, “We have heard you.” This is a Government who listen to victims. We are committed to making changes that will address the issues that have been raised. The right of victims to make a request under the unduly lenient sentence scheme is not a right unless they are told about it: that is something on which we can all agree.