Justice for Victims - Call for Sentencing Reform Backed by Bereaved Families
- Matt Bishop MP
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
Yesterday, I met with Alex Davies-Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, to discuss the powerful campaign being led by the Justice for Victims group.
This campaign is calling for vital reforms to ensure victims of crime and their families are heard, respected, and properly informed throughout the justice process. I’m proud to be standing alongside them and over 30 Labour colleagues who have supported my letter to the Minister.
We are calling for three key changes:
Victim Personal Statements must reflect the true voices of victims — free from edits designed to avoid upsetting offenders. These statements could be heard after a guilty verdict to avoid prejudice.
Victims and families deserve more time to appeal unduly lenient sentences and must be fully informed of their rights at the end of a trial.
“Life sentences” should only refer to whole-of-life terms. Language matters — victims deserve clarity and honesty about sentencing.
The meeting was constructive, and I was pleased the Minister agreed to consider these asks. She has committed to updating me in due course — and I will ensure that update is shared with you.
Justice must be shaped by fairness and compassion — not bureaucracy. I’ll keep fighting for a system that respects the voices of victims and their families.
