“Criminal offences committed against MPs imperil both the democratic process and public service”
21 March 2019
In a letter to Harriet Harman MP, Chair of the UK Parliament's Human Rights Committee, the Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill describes the steps that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has taken in response to threats to MPs.
- Letter (and Annexes) from Max Hill QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, Crown Prosecution Service, regarding the inquiry on Democracy, Free Speech and Freedom of Association
- Inquiry: Democracy, free speech and freedom of association
- Joint Committee on Human Rights
The Committee continues its inquiry into threats to MPs and the right to demonstrate, and has invited Max Hill to appear as a witness in early May to ask him further about how the CPS handles prosecutions where the victim of the alleged offence is an MP.
Comments
He says:
“Your Inquiry takes place in a context in which Members of Parliament (MPs) have been the targeted victims of criminal conduct. I take that very seriously indeed. Criminal offences committed against MPs imperil both the democratic process and public service.”
The letter also contains annexes including types of cases where the CPS secured convictions, cases where no further action was advised by the CPS and examples of new guidance issued to prosecutors to assist them when considering alleged offences against MPs.
Further information
Image: PA