Home

Witnesses to receive anonymity

The proposals follow police advice about witnesses to gang crimeThe proposals follow police advice about witnesses to gang crime

Thursday, 22, May 2008 12:00

Witnesses who testify against gangs may receive anonymity, under new government proposals expected today.

Home secretary Jacqui Smith is expected to announce the measures in a speech later today, according to the Times newspaper, together with plans restricted the movement of gang members.

"We want witnesses to feel safe enough to give evidence right from the beginning," Ms Smith said.

"If this means an early guarantee that their identities will be protected then so be it. And if law enforcement authorities need new powers then they will have them."

Witnesses are unlikely to receive anonymity until near the start of the trial, under the current system.

What do you think ?

Name 

Town/Country 

Your email 

Your comment 

Enter the text shown to the right

Our new look

We hope you find our new design easier on the eye and to navigate than the old design. Read more about the new site

Newsletter

Sign up to politics.co.uk’s daily newsletter and you’ll never miss a key political story again

Opinion Formers

BNTL Freeway

BNTL is an organisation seeking to promote healthy drug-free life styles and to inform on the effect of alcohol and drugs on individuals and communities.

Opinion Former Comment

BYC: Let’s get positive: BYC celebrate youth

On Monday 24 November the British Youth Council is holding a special anniversary event to celebrate 60 years of campaigning, empowering and inspiring young people.

Related News

Labour fight back against police right to strike

Home secretary Jacqui Smith received a frosty reception at the Police Federation's conference in Bournemouth today when she told police officers that "setting out on the road to the right to strike will only lead to a dead end".

Police gave Ms Smith a hostile reception

Related Analysis

Analysis: Boris' challenge

Boris Johnson's decision to push Sir Ian Blair out of his job sets up the possibility of a real clash between City Hall and the Home Office.

Boris Johnson puts the ball in Jacqui Smith's court

Latest Headlines

Balls expands access to Baby P report

Opposition spokespeople and local MPs will have access to the report into the failures which led to the death of Baby P, it has been announced.

An image of Baby P's injuries

Legislation

Counterterrorism bill

The bill is part of wide reaching measures to improve the detection and policing of terrorism. It will bring in post-charge questioning and could introduce the use of intercept evidence. It backs increasing the period for detention without trial to 56 days.

Issue briefs

Immigration detention centres

What are immigration detention centres? Immigration detention centres are holding centres for foreign nationals waiting decisions on their asylum claims or waiting deportation following a failed application.

Speakers Corner