Question
The ability of powerful men to exert control over and exploit women is again at the forefront of our minds. But it is not just rich and powerful men: we recently debated in this place a petition by Paris Shears, who campaigns against coercive and controlling behaviour. During the debate, the Minister refused to give Paris the common courtesy of explaining whether those convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour are eligible for Labour’s early release programme. Can the Justice Secretary show proper respect to Paris and other victims and at least answer that question now?
Answer
I am slightly surprised that the hon. Member has taken this tack. He will know that, alongside the announcements we made in the summer, we published precisely which offences were in scope and not in scope for the progression model, so all I can suggest is that he refers to that, as he could have done for the last six weeks.50% point-scoring
Verdict: RED (20/100)
The question asked whether coercive and controlling behaviour offences are in or out of scope for the early release progression model. The reply does not say either way. It states that the scope has been published and refers the Member to that document, so the specific answer the Member asked for is not given in the reply itself. A member of the public would likely need to check the external list or ask again to learn whether these offences are covered.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether those convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour are eligible for the Government's early release programme. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply never states whether coercive and controlling behaviour offences are in or out of scope for the early release progression model. It only says the scope was published and refers the Member to that list, so the substantive answer is left to the external document. The point-scoring statements (1 and 4) add nothing on the item. |