Date published: 2006/05/22
The BBC says:
Victims of crime could be given a say on whether offenders should be freed from jail, under plans being considered by the home secretary.
John Reid said victims or their representatives would be appointed to parole boards from next month.
It comes amid increasing concern that the rights of offenders are being given too much prominence and controversy over the early release of criminals.
...
Mr Reid said: "I tell you today that I want to go further in ensuring that victims or their representatives get a greater say about the release of offenders back into the community."I believe that the victim's voice must be heard more clearly than it has in the past.
"That is why we're already interviewing for members, with experience of either being a victim, or of a victim support organisation.
"And I can tell you that by June, the first members with that experience will have been appointed to parole boards."
But the Home Office said the victim of a particular crime would not be sitting on the parole board hearing of that offender.
When the BBC says there is "increasing concern that the rights or offenders are being given too much prominence", what they mean is that Blair decided the other day to divert attention from all the scandals and screw ups hitting the government, so latched onto that old favourite, law and order, to shoot his mouth off on. And this latest pronouncement just follows in the line of other silly pronouncements on the subject. It's policy making at the level of the school playground.
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