SARAH CHAMPION MP FIGHTS FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS RIGHTS IN POLICE BILL

SARAH CHAMPION MP FIGHTS FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS RIGHTS IN POLICE BILL

Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, is pleased to once again have the opportunity to fight for the rights of victims of crime and more support for the police as MPs begin detailed scrutiny on the landmark Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

As one of only 17 MPs on the Committee, Ms Champion will urge the Government to amend the Bill to strengthen the rights of victims and survivors of abuse and ensure adequate support and resources for the police and emergency services.

Since being elected MP for Rotherham, Ms Champion has campaigned alongside victims and survivors to ensure the law delivers justice and prevents abuse. Her work is reflected in the Bill with the government committing to extend the definition of ‘positions of trust’ to include sports coaches and faith leaders, so that it is illegal for adults in those roles to have sex with children in their care. The Bill also reverses the presumption against pre-charge bail introduced in 2017 which resulted in some of those charged with child sexual offences being released with no conditions attached.

Ms Champion believes the Bill has to go much further in order to prevent abuse and help secure justice. Sarah will urge the Government to strengthen procedures in courts for victims and survivors and put in place measures to protect children from exploitation, including online sexual exploitation.

Sarah said: “I have seen first-hand how too often the criminal justice system fails victims and survivors of crime. I will be using this opportunity on the Bill Committee to ensure victims voices are at the heart of all decisions made.

“I am relieved the government has listened to my calls for changes to legislation on pre-charge bail and positions of trust, but it isn’t enough. I want the Government to go much further and transform the criminal justice system. Rotherham victims and survivors have had to accept too lenient sentences, no support with the court process and perpetrators getting early release. Enough is enough. Victims must be put first in our legal framework and that’s what I’ll be arguing for.”

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Notes to editors;

·        The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was debated at second reading on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 March 2021 and is now with a Public Bill Committee which will scrutinise the Bill line by line and is expected to report to the House by Thursday 24 June 2021. The membership is available here: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/2839

Contact information: Email bruce.warwick@parliament.uk or call 07948 979 713.