Disclosure Between All Parties in Criminal Justice System

Attorney General – in the House of Commons at on 7 July 2022.

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Photo of Mike Wood Mike Wood Conservative, Dudley South

What recent steps she has taken to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disclosure between all parties in the criminal justice system.

Photo of Suella Braverman Suella Braverman The Attorney-General

We published the review of disclosure and the amended disclosure guidelines in May to deliver improvements for police, prosecutors and victims of crime. The new guidelines feature an annex on data protection that will ease the burden on police handling of digital material and will leave the police more time to be on the street, fighting and investigating crime. I am pleased with how the guide- lines have been received by the profession throughout.

Photo of Mike Wood Mike Wood Conservative, Dudley South

What impact does the Attorney General expect her guidelines, published in May, to have on the CPS’s decision making and prosecution of sex offences?

Photo of Suella Braverman Suella Braverman The Attorney-General

My hon. Friend raises a real priority for the Government. These guidelines will mean fewer unnecessary intrusions into a victim’s private life and more interactions with victims to help them understand the process. All of this will mean that victims are more engaged, there is less attrition and the process is swifter but just as effective. It is unfortunate that some Labour Members have promoted an incorrect understanding of what these guidelines mean.