§ 33. Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to strengthen the rights of victims of crime; and if he will make a statement. [947]
§ Mr. MichaelWe are committed to helping victims of crime and to taking action to redress the balance of the criminal justice system in favour of the victim. We will ensure that all the criminal justice agencies give a high priority to treating victims with sensitivity and respect, listening to their views and improving the services they provide to victims. We will ensure that victims of crime are informed of progress in their case—if they want to be—and that, following our reorganisation of the Crown Prosecution Service, local Crown Prosecutors become more involved in informing victims of their decisions.
We are also committed to providing greater protection for victims in rape and serious sexual offence trials and for those subject to intimidation, including witnesses. We shall be bringing forward detailed proposals on this in due course. Victims will also benefit from our proposals to tackle violence in our society and for speeding up justice.