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<p>In April this year, the Secretary of State announced a public consultation on the
possible reconsideration of parole decisions. The consultation closed on 28 July and
we have considered the responses, including the issue of which types of parole decisions
should be in scope for any reconsideration mechanism. We will publish the Government’s
response in due course alongside the review of the Parole Board Rules which the Secretary
of State committed to undertake this year.</p><p> </p><p>I have enormous sympathy
for victims of crime, especially where they have been subject to the types of serious
offending that often feature in parole cases. I agree that victims need a way to challenge
parole decisions which they believe may be flawed without having to take the onerous
step of seeking a judicial review. That is why the Government has proposed the creation
of a reconsideration mechanism. We must ensure that any approach is fair and proportionate,
and avoids creating unnecessary delays and uncertainty for both prisoners and victims.</p>
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