The Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, chaired by Sir Brian Leveson, has today published part two of its review.

Responding, Victim Support CEO Katie Kempen said:

“Part two of this landmark review lays bare the deepening crisis facing our courts, with victims suffering years of agonising waits for their case to reach trial.

“A system that ‘stands on the brink of collapse’ cannot deliver the justice victims deserve – it’s as simple as that. Things cannot continue as they are.

“This is a substantial report with a wide range of recommendations, and it will take time to carefully consider its full implications. What is already abundantly clear, though, is that change is sorely needed.

“It’s vital any reforms – including those already proposed by the Government – put victims at their heart, are backed by strong scrutiny, and come with robust assessments of their impact, so we can be certain they will effectively end these painful waits for trial and fix this broken system.”