East Worthing and Shoreham MP backs ‘Victims Bill of Rights’

Tim Loughton has backed a motion which aims to establish a framework for victims and would give them enforceable rights, including a right of appeal against a decision to stop a criminal investigation.

It will also raise the importance of specialist provisions for children in the criminal justice system.

Mr Loughton said: “This bill would replace the voluntary codes and various organisations that currently serve victims with a clearer and sharper framework, which will much more effectively defend victims.

“Too often victims are the forgotten party and it is about time that they receive proper legal support and protection.

“We simply cannot have a situation where our criminal justice system is not adequately serving the most vulnerable, for whom justice is the light and the end of dark, dark tunnel.”

The proposals have been put forward by Labour MP Sir Keir Starmer in a 10 Minute Rule Bill.

They look to address the fact that some people do not think the system is fairly balanced between victims and offenders, stopping people coming forward once a crime has been committed.

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