A Bill to Make provision about the experience of victims within the criminal justice system; about the functions of the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses; and about procedure and the administration of criminal justice.
The Victims and Courts Bill aims to improve how victims and witnesses are treated within the criminal justice system. It sets out the role of the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses and makes changes to how procedures and administration are run. It is currently being considered in the Lords at report stage, and it originated in the Commons with Shabana Mahmood as sponsor (Labour Co‑op).
The bill is at the Lords’ report stage, having progressed through the Commons. Amendments considered at this stage were rejected, and the bill will continue through Parliament in its current form.
In four Lords’ votes on 27 Oct 2025, all four amendments were defeated (Aye roughly 152–166 vs No 322–337). Labour (Co‑op) opposed the amendments, while most other major parties voted in favour.
Generated 21 February 2026
Based on 4 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye
Line by line examination of the bill took place during the final day of committee stage on 11 February.
What happens next?
Report stage – a further chance to closely scrutinise elements of the bill and make changes - is scheduled for 10 March.