Labour’s victim-first approach with new court modernisation reforms

Today I wrote to the Secretary of State for Justice to express my full support for the Government’s response to Sir Brian Leveson’s Review into Criminal Courts.

Victims in the Forest of Dean — and across the country — are waiting far too long for justice. Some are being told their trials may not be heard for years. That is simply unacceptable.

The reforms announced this week will:

•  Put victims at the centre of the justice system

•  Cut the courts backlog

•  Stop people “gaming the system” by choosing jury trials to delay justice

•  Make better use of our skilled magistrates

•  Provide £550m in support services for victims and witnesses

•  Speed up hearings for the most serious crimes

During my visit to the Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre today, their team were clear: these changes will make a real difference to survivors.

My full letter to the Secretary of State is below.

Victims deserve swift, fair justice — and I will continue fighting for that.