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Susan May

As I have said more than once, how the CCRC conducts the review is a matter for it. The principle is important. My right hon. Friend was probably involved, as I was, in campaigning for an independent body to be able to review miscarriages of justice. It cannot provide that independent function if Ministers tell it how to conduct its business. However, as I said, I will ensure that the chairman of the CCRC is made aware of this debate and all the points that have been raised in it. That is, I think, the only appropriate assurance that I can give from the Dispatch Box. We want the criminal justice system to be fair, open and accessible. Those who believe that they have a genuine grievance, as does Mrs. May, should have recourse to redress. Her case to date, since her trial and conviction, has been exposed to a great deal of scrutiny. She has used the criminal justice system in pursuit of justice for herself and it is right that she should have the opportunity to do so. She has a further opportunity in the present review of the CCRC. We look forward to its result.