Victims’ Code – The right to qualified professionals

During a debate on 16 April 2024 the UK Government accepted amendments put forward by Baroness Coussins to the proposed ‘Victims’ Code’ intended to set out and protect the rights of victims of crime.

Baroness Coussins (pictured left), who is Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages had worked tirelessly to ensure that victims are entitled to access interpreting and translation services from qualified professionals.

Baroness Brinton said:

“My Lords, from these Benches we pay tribute to the noble Baroness, Lady Coussins, for her absolute and consistent determination that we should be reminded about the need for professionally qualified interpreters.”

Accepting Baroness Coussins' proposed amendments on behalf of Government, Lord Bellamy said:

“This strengthened wording makes it clear that victims are entitled to access interpreting and translation services from qualified professionals. 'Qualified' and 'professionals' are the decisive words that the noble Baroness referred to. I hope that I have reassured her that we have heard and considered her arguments carefully and are committed to addressing their intent through the Victims’ Code.”

ITI's Chief Executive Sara Robertson commented "We are delighted that Baroness Coussins has secured this important amendment to the Victims' Code. It is essential that victims have the opportunity to speak and be heard in their first language at times of great personal stress."

The full text of the debate is available on Hansard.