Tag: Liz Saville Roberts

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-02-04.

To ask the Attorney General, what steps his Department plans to take in response to the recommendations in the report by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, entitled Thematic Review of the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Units, published in February 2016, (a) that a new protocol should be developed with each police force capturing early investigative advice and file quality and (b) in respect of training for lawyers and paralegal staff.

Robert Buckland

The way in which the Criminal Justice System investigates and prosecutes rape allegations is changing and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is taking a leading role. In September 2015 the CPS and Police set up a joint National Rape Steering Group, supported by a joint Delivery Board, to drive forward a co-ordinated programme of work. This programme includes the development of an optimum model for working (in rape and serious sexual offence cases) between the CPS and the Police which will address early investigative advice and file quality.

It is a CPS priority that its staff have the tools and skills necessary to prosecute effectively. A detailed CPS/Police Joint National Rape Action Plan was published in June 2014 which identified a programme of training activity to deliver improvements in investigation and prosecution outcomes. This extensive programme, consisting of a range of face to face specialist training measures, is currently underway.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-05-25.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which army regiments or corps may be joined by new recruits aged (a) under 16 years and six months and (b) under 16 years and three months; and which such regiments or corps entail (i) combat roles and (ii) non-combat roles.

Mark Lancaster

Recruits do not join their Army Regiments or Corps until after they have completed both Phase 1 and 2 training. It is not possible, therefore, for new recruits to join any Army Regiment or Corps whilst under the age of 16 years and six months.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-09-14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the number of lion trophies imported into the UK.

Dr Thérèse Coffey

Strict controls on the import of lions and their body parts were introduced in January 2015. These ensure that the exporting country must be satisfied that the animal was hunted sustainably and that the importing country must also carry out this check. We are working with CITES partners to strengthen hunting safeguards and put in place additional trade controls as appropriate.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-10-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the planned timetable is for the S4C review.

Matt Hancock

The Government committed to a comprehensive review of S4C in 2017 covering remit, funding and governance. Further details including the Terms of Reference, timetable and process will be announced in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-02-09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what progress he has made on commissioning an independent review of S4C’s future remit and funding.

Mr Edward Vaizey

The Government is committed to a comprehensive review of S4C which will take place in 2017. Details of the review will be finalised in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-05-25.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of reform of access to legal aid in cases of domestic violence on children; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Shailesh Vara

When reforming legal aid the government was careful to protect legal aid for the highest priority cases, including those relating to domestic violence and child abuse.

The government is committed to undertaking a post-implementation review of the reforms within 3 to 5 years of their implementation.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-10-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the powers are of the Victims’ Commissioner.

Dr Phillip Lee

The role of the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses is defined in the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. It is to promote the interests of victims and witnesses, encourage good practice in their treatment, and regularly review the operation of the Code of Practice for Victims.

The Commissioner can make proposals to the Secretary of State for amending the Code, may report to the Secretary of State in connection with her duties, may provide advice in relation to victims or witnesses as requested, and may make recommendations to authorities which fall within her remit.

The Commissioner has no power to investigate individual cases or make recommendations on specific complaints. In line with the process set out in the Code, a victim is entitled to make a complaint to the service provider. If they remain dissatisfied they can refer their complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman via their member of Parliament.

We know there is more to do to further increase the rights of victims. We will announce our plans in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-10-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the terms of reference are for the S4C review.

Matt Hancock

The Government committed to a comprehensive review of S4C in 2017 covering remit, funding and governance. Further details including the Terms of Reference, timetable and process will be announced in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-02-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many applications for Exceptional Case Funding there were in 2015; and how many of those applications were successful.

Mr Shailesh Vara

The Legal Aid Agency publishes this information as part of its official statistics, the most recent edition of which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/legal-aid-statistics-quarterly-july-to-september-2015.

Statistics covering the final quarter of 2015 will be published in due course.

“

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liz Saville Roberts on 2016-05-25.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on applicants for legal aid in cases of domestic violence of the requirement that victims provide substantial written evidence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Shailesh Vara

The Government is absolutely clear that victims of domestic violence must have access to the help that they need, including access to legal aid.

As I updated the House on 21 April, the Ministry of Justice has begun work with domestic violence support groups, legal representative bodies and colleagues across government to gather data and further develop our understanding of the issues facing victims of domestic violence when applying for legal aid. The findings will be used to inform an evidence-based and sustainable solution, with the aim of drawing up replacement regulations.