Urgent question on consent forms for victims of crime
29 April 2019 (updated on 29 April 2019)
Change UK - The Independent Group MP, Anna Soubry asked an urgent question on the Government's plans to roll out consent forms asking victims of crime, including rape victims, to hand over their phones to police.
The urgent question is being asked as consent forms asking for permission to access information including emails, messages and photographs, from victims of crime are being introduced in England and Wales.
Responding to the urgent question, Policing Minister Nick Hurd told the House:
"There is widespread recognition that disclosure in criminal cases must be improved and disclosure of evidence […] is crucial for ensuring the public's confidence in the police and in our criminal justice system."
Anna Soubry urged the minister to withdraw the document setting out the guidance, saying that it deters "victims of rape in particular from coming forward".
- Watch Parliament TV: urgent question on consent forms for victims of crime
- Read Commons Hansard: urgent question on consent forms for victims of crime
Image: PA
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