Member

It was clear that many of the witnesses and Members from both sides of the House were of one view about many of the positive aspects of this Bill. For example, the improved powers for the Victims’ Commissioner are welcome and they will give new strength to their arm in raising issues and securing change on behalf of victims. The streamlining and expansion of the victim contact scheme will help victims be better informed about key information about their offender post-conviction. Other important measures were considered in Committee, and I am pleased to say that, while at the time the Government were committed to their approach, they have since shifted to some degree, which I will go on to cover.