17 June 2008
Jack Straw has made a written ministerial statement on a consultation on bail decisions in murder cases.
The Right Honourable Jack Straw MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice:
In January this year, a man killed his mother-in-law before taking his own life. At the time, he was on bail awaiting trial for the alleged murder of his wife. On 16 January 2008 my right honourable friend the Prime Minister, answering a question about the case (Official Report, Col. 925) said that the government would be looking at the law on bail.
Bail decisions in murder cases will never be easy; the vital thing is to ensure that the courts strike the right balance between respecting individuals' right to liberty and protecting the public. The government's aim is to target custody as precisely as possible upon those cases where there is a risk of harm to the public. We are today publishing a consultation paper that sets out possible ways of helping the courts to achieve that aim. We shall take account of views expressed in response to it in deciding whether to pursue these ideas. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and are available in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office. Copies are also available on the internet.
My right honourable friend the Prime Minister said that 'if any changes in the law are necessary, we will make them'. The government does not take it for granted that it will be necessary to amend legislation, but we shall not hesitate to bring forward whatever changes in guidance, rules or the law may be needed.