LABOUR CALL FOR CRIME VICTIM CARE
LAbour will this week unveil a victims’ Charter, vowing support throughout the criminal process.
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds told the Sunday Mirror: “Just because the trial is over, the anguish for the victim isn’t.
“They must have a say right through the criminal justice system, including in parole proceedings. Too often victims don’t know what’s happening, let alone play a part.”
Mr Thomas-Symonds, a former criminal barrister, says support must be a legal right from the moment a victim comes into contact with police.
He wants courts to keep victims informed every step of the way. They would also get the right to appeal if a criminal investigation is dropped. The charter will be unveiled as part of Labour’s local election campaign in May.
Mr Thomas-Symonds said: “Victims must be at the heart of the system. Criminals have never had it so good.”