VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Criminal Proceedings

Asked by Lewis CockingConservativeMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 2 June 2025UIN 54436

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that criminal (a) prosecution and (b) sentencing is applied consistently.

Answered by Sir Nicholas Dakin

Charging decisions are a matter for the independent Crown Prosecution Service and sentencing is a matter for the independent judiciary, based on the circumstances of individual cases.

Equality before the law is a fundamental principle of our justice system. This Government will protect and defend this.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim