14 May 2008
New proposals to give greater protection to victims and witnesses in court are among those set out in the Ministry of Justice's contribution to the Draft Legislative Programme announced by the Prime Minister today.
Three of the 18 bills proposed today will be taken forward by the Ministry of Justice. They are:
- Law Reform, Victims and Witnesses Bill
- Coroners and Death Certification Bill
- Constitutional Renewal Bill
Justice Secretary Jack Straw said:
'These proposals will sharpen the focus of the justice system and our democracy on the needs of the public. They will help ensure that the system is balanced in favour of the law-abiding majority.
'Appearing in court as a victim or witness is a stressful experience. We want to make sure people in this position are given as much support as possible. The reform of the coroners system, for bereaved civilian and service families is very important. Our proposals for constitutional renewal will ensure that power is located where it should be on fundamental issues such as judicial appointments and committing troops to conflict: with Parliament, on behalf of the people.'
The Law Reform, Victims and Witnesses Bill aims to increase public confidence in the criminal justice system and help protect the vulnerable. Proposals to extend protective measures such as the use of live video link evidence will help reassure victims, especially of gun and gang-related crime. Other proposals include reforming some areas of the law on homicide such as complicity in relation to murder, establishing a structured sentencing framework and Sentencing Commission, and preventing criminals profiting from publications about their crimes.
The Coroners and Death Certification Bill will improve the system of death investigation for families so that they can be assured that the cause of death of their relative has been properly established and, where possible, lessons can be learned to prevent future similar deaths. This includes the modernisation of the coroners system, appointing a new Chief Coroner, establishing an accessible right of appeal for families against coroners' decisions, and establishing a body of medical examiners to scrutinise the causes of death given by doctors on death certificates.
The Constitutional Renewal Bill will extend civil liberties, strengthen Parliament and make the executive more accountable to the people. Proposals include removing the requirement to give notice of demonstrations in and around Parliament Square, reforming the role of the Attorney General, reducing the role of the Lord Chancellor in judicial appointments and removing the Prime Minister from the process of appointing Supreme Court judges. The bill will be part of a wider programme of constitutional reform which will include proposals for a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. White papers on reforming the House of Lords and party political financing are also planned.
Notes to editors
1. The government has published Preparing Britain for the Future - the Draft Legislative Programme 2008-09, which sets out the UK government's plans for legislative and key non-legislative action in next year's parliamentary session. The full text can be found at:
2. If you want to make your voice heard, you can comment on the programme
You can also see what is going on in your region
3. This is the second publication of a Draft Legislative Programme after it was first introduced in July 2007 as part of the Governance of Britain agenda. It is intended to set out the government's proposals for new laws for the next session of Parliament, allowing time for public consultation and comment ahead of the final programme being published in the Queen's Speech later in the year. It is intended to encourage public debate by increasing awareness of how laws come about and improving the public's opportunity to have a say in that process. It reinforces the government's accountability to Parliament and to the public and is an important element of the government's constitutional renewal programme. In July 2007, the Leader of the House of the House of Commons published 'The Governance of Britain: The Government's Draft Legislative Programme'.
4. The Constitutional Renewal Bill was published in draft form on 25 March and the consultation process continues. Many of the proposals that will form the Coroners and Death Certification Bill have already been subject to extensive consultation. Further consultation on the proposals to be set out in the Law Reform, Victims and Witnesses Bill will take place in due course.
5. Further information and background on the Ministry of Justice proposals:
Law Reform, Victims and Witnesses Bill
A Structured Sentencing Framework and Sentencing Commission - a consultation paper published by the Sentencing Commission Working Group chaired by Lord Justice Gage
Any government proposals will follow consideration of the conclusions of the working group following this consultation.
Coroners and Death Certification Bill
The Draft Bill and a paper explaining changes proposed to the Bill after consultation
Constitutional Renewal Bill
The Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill
Consultation on the Governance of Britain - War Powers and Treaties: Limiting Executive Powers
Consultation on the Governance of Britain: Judicial Appointments
6. For more information please contact Paul Halford at the Ministry of Justice Press Office on 020 7210 8913, or the Ministry of Justice Newsdesk on 020 7210 8822.