Victims Commissioner Dame Vera Baird resigns as she unleashes a devastating attack on Dominic Raab

Victims Commissioner Dame Vera Baird has resigned, saying in a scathing letter to the government that the ministers have made “failing victims”.

Dame Vera, 72, warned recently appointed Attorney General Brandon Lewis that the “criminal justice system is in chaos” and does not help victims of rape or burglary where the conviction rate is low.

She pointed the finger at Mr Lewis’ predecessor Dominic Raab, who left after Liz Truss became prime minister earlier this month, and said he “weakened” victims’ interests in the government’s priorities and also the former minister. of Justice of ‘sideliness’. her office.

Women’s charities said it was “sad” that the QC, which the government “has been holding back at the embarrassingly low number of rape prosecutions,” was leaving.

The former Labor Minister and Secretary-General also complained that, despite assurances from the Justice Department that she was considered a ‘nominator’, she was twice invited to reapply for a second term.

Asking me to reapply as two opportunities to reappoint me have already passed, and my office no longer has much access to ministers seems more like a ploy to keep me in place as a short-term nominal postholder than a real invitation,” she added.

In addition, the Victims’ Bill remains inadequate and the British Bill of Rights poses such a serious threat to the human rights of victims that it undermines the little progress the Victims’ Bill will bring.

“This lowering of victims’ interests in the government’s priorities, together with the sidelines of the Victims Commissioner’s Office and the curious recruitment process, make it clear to me that there is nothing to gain for victims if I remain in my post after the current extension.

‘So my term ends on September 30th.’

Dame Vera, also a former Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, was originally appointed as a victims’ rights defender in 2019.

In her letter, however, she says that unlike her predecessor, she has not been offered an automatic second term, although she was “highly encouraged” to apply when it was opened to competition earlier this year.

At the same time, she complained about a lack of access to ministers and that she hadn’t met Mr Raab once since he invited her to reapply in February – following complaints from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA).

They claimed he hadn’t met with the CBA since April due to strike action.

Lawyers in England and Wales voted in a row for a general strike with the government over jobs and wages next month.

Dame Vera said on BBC Radio 4’s ‘World at One’ earlier this month: ‘It’s going to be very, very, very bad for the victims. Indeed, the victims are now paying.

“There is a backlog of 59,000 cases in the Crown Court, and the average time for, say, a rape case or a seriously traumatized stabbing victim, [is] year. If the attorney’s case isn’t resolved now, it’ll all end. That line is getting longer and longer.’

An alleged child rape victim faces a possible five-year wait for her case to be concluded amid mounting pressure on the courts and the threat of further strike action by lawyers.

Downing Street said it was a “disappointing decision” by the Criminal Bar Association that “would force victims to wait longer for justice”.

Dame Vera added in her letter today: ‘An important part of my role is access to ministers on behalf of the people I represent and serve.

‘Prior to this year, we made progress for victims mainly due to the responsive attitude of previous secretaries of state.

“The lack of involvement from above at a time of great unrest for victims poorly reflected the Justice Ministry’s priorities and the cabinet’s approach.”

The Commissioner for Victims in London, Claire Waxman, also paid tribute by saying: ‘I am extremely disappointed that for the first time in years we will not have a National Victims’ Commissioner in office.

“It is a vital role to ensure that the interests of victims are defended to help influence much-needed change in this country.

It is also a critical moment for victims, with a justice system in crisis as our courts struggle to bring justice, and the Victims Act is finally passing through parliament.

“Having worked closely with Vera over the past few years, I am very grateful to her for all the work she has done.

“She has been a tireless advocate. Anyone entering the role at this stage must have a deep understanding of the challenges facing the justice system, a desire to center victims’ voices, and fresh ideas to radically strengthen the government’s Victims Act.”

The charity for women’s domestic violence, Refuge, said it was also “sad to hear of Dame Vera Baird stepping down as victims’ commissioner.”

“Dame Vera has played a vital role in pushing for greater protection for survivors of domestic violence and violence against women and girls and has undoubtedly helped change the narrative and influence policy and practice,” the charity said.

“She has pushed governments to the bone over the embarrassingly low rates of rape prosecutions and pushed them to comply with the rape review. Dame Vera has also spoken out about court backwardness and misogyny in the police force.

“As a staunch advocate for victims’ rights, Dame Vera will be sorely missed in this role, and we hope the government will bring the Victims Bill back to Parliament as soon as possible, strengthening it so that it better protects victims, and will take Lady on board. Vera’s powerful recommendations for change.’

Mr Raab said in a statement to the BBC: ‘The role of the Victims Commissioner is important and we redone the process because frankly we wanted a stronger field of candidates and were confident we would get one.’

Labor Shadow Victims Minister Anna McMorrin said Dame Vera’s ‘tireless work’ will not be forgotten and said if they win the general election their government would put ‘the victims back at the heart of our broken justice system’ .