Allow All British Overseas Victims to Give Evidence in Court

Rejected 10 signatures

What the petition asks

We are asking the Crown Prosecution to allow all victims of crimes whose testimony is needed in court to give evidence regardless of where they live. A clear process should be created to assist and support expat victims who are often treated carelessly by a system that is not set up to help them.

Victims of crimes being processed by CPS often face barriers in their fight for justice and this is heightened for British citizens living abroad. CPS should consider both the well-being of overseas victims and the importance of carrying out justice.

Asking victims to travel internationally, or stopping court cases because they are unable to do so, is an affront to justice. When international travel is impractical expats should be able to give evidence by video link or written statement.

Why it was rejected

It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.

We understand you are concerned about witnesses overseas not being able to submit evidence via 'live link'. However, as this is already allowed, it is not clear what else you would like the UK Government or Parliament to do.

You can find out more about this here: https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/witnesses-outside-united-kingdom-video-link.

You could start a petition calling for the Government to provide more support to British Nationals living overseas who are asked to give evidence to UK courts, if that is something you'd like to happen.

Timeline

23 Nov 2020	Petition opened for signatures
8 Jan 2021	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 10

Status Rejected

Rejected 8 Jan 2021

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