Government Cracks Down on Crime: New Bill Boosts Victim Rights and Clamps Down on Dangerous Offenders
A landmark Victims and Prisoners Bill promises to overhaul the justice system, putting victims front and centre and toughening parole rules for the most dangerous criminals. The new law, announced on 29 March 2023, gives ministers unprecedented powers to protect the public and ensure failures in victim support don’t go unnoticed.
Ministers to Veto Parole for Murderers, Rapists, Terrorists
- Ministers can block the release of the nastiest offenders, including murderers, rapists, and terrorists.
- The Parole Board must prioritise public safety — no more balancing acts with prisoners’ rights.
- Ex-police officers and detectives will sit on parole panels for top-tier offenders to boost scrutiny.
Justice Minister Damian Hinds said: “It is vital the public has confidence that murderers, rapists and terrorists will be kept behind bars for as long as is necessary to keep the public safe.”
Victims Given New Legal Rights and Stronger Support
- Victims will now have a statutory right to challenge decisions — such as why cases of rape or domestic abuse are dropped.
- Clearer information about case progress and compensation will be guaranteed.
- Access to vital experts like Independent Sexual Violence Advisors will be strengthened.
- Victims can make their voices heard — including reading Victim Personal Statements in court.
Justice Minister Edward Argar added: “We want victims going through the justice system to feel listened to, supported, informed, and to be treated fairly, properly, and with dignity.”
Crackdown on Offenders’ Privileges Plus New Independent Public Advocate
- Prisoners serving whole-life orders will no longer be allowed to marry or form civil partnerships in jail, denying them milestones they stole from victims.
- A new Independent Public Advocate (IPA) will support families affected by major disasters like Hillsborough, Grenfell, and the Manchester Arena bombing.
- Ministers can order joint inspections of justice agencies that fail victims, tightening oversight across prisons, police, courts, CPS, and probation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Our reforms will improve the experience for victims from the first meeting with a police officer to the support they get in court, and we will refocus the parole system on its overriding duty to protect the public from violent and sexual criminals.”
More Funding and Tougher Penalties on Offenders
- The victim surcharge has been increased by 20%, pumping an extra £20 million a year into vital victim support services by 2025.
- Funding for victim support will more than quadruple by 2025 compared to 2010 levels.
- The number of Independent Sexual and Domestic Violence Advisors will rise by 43% over three years, hitting over 1,000 nationwide.
This sweeping bill aims to restore public trust after high-profile parole disasters and make sure victims get the respect and protection they deserve.
