New Clause 97 - Video recorded cross-examination or re-examination of complainants in respect of sexual offences and modern slavery offences

Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill – in the House of Commons at 9:00 pm on 5 July 2021.

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Votes in this debate

  • Division number 42
    A majority of MPs voted not to permit the questioning of vulnerable witnesses in cases of sexual offences and modern slavery offences to be carried out remotely without the accused being physically present and for a recording to be admitted as evidence.

(1) Section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 comes into force in relation to proceedings to which subsection (2) applies on the day on which this Act is passed.

(2) This subsection applies where a witness is eligible for assistance by virtue of section 17(4) of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (complainants in respect of a sexual offence or modern slavery offence who are witnesses in proceedings relating to that offence, or that offence and any other offences).

(3) This section has effect notwithstanding section 68(3) of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.” —(David Lammy.)

This new clause would bring section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, which provides for the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses to be recorded rather than undertaken in court, fully into force for victims of sexual offences and modern slavery offences.

Brought up.

Question put, That the clause be added to the Bill.

Division number 42 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill — New Clause 97 — Video Recorded Cross-Examination or Re-examination of Complainants in Respect of Sexual Offences and Modern Slavery Offences

A majority of MPs voted not to permit the questioning of vulnerable witnesses in cases of sexual offences and modern slavery offences to be carried out remotely without the accused being physically present and for a recording to be admitted as evidence.

Aye: 227 MPs

No: 356 MPs

Aye: A-Z by last name

Tellers

No: A-Z by last name

Tellers

Absent: 63 MPs

Absent: A-Z by last name

The House divided: Ayes 227, Noes 356.

Question accordingly negatived.

The list of Members currently certified as eligible for a proxy vote, and of the Members nominated as their proxy, is published at the end of today’s debates.