§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about joint enterprise cases in which a child loses its life. [2308]
650W
§ Mr. MacleanWe have examined the relevant legal provisions to see whether there is any scope for changes to make it easier to secure convictions in joint enterprise cases in which a child dies. We have, however, been unable to identify any option for reform which would not itself create further injustice. The priority must be to obtain sufficient evidence in each case pointing to the guilt of one or both parties. The provisions of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 will make it more difficult for those who are guilty of such appalling crimes to hide behind their silence in police interviews and at trial. We will keep the law under review and consider any practical proposals for reform.