UK Parliament / Open data

Domestic Abuse Bill

Proceeding contribution from Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Labour) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 10 March 2021. It occurred during Debate on bills on Domestic Abuse Bill.

My Lords, the noble Baroness, Lady Bertin, powerfully moved this amendment and went into the detail of the problems that arise when refuge addresses are revealed. I fail to understand why judges, in her words, are turning a blind eye to the requirement to keep the secrecy of a refuge; I fail to imagine why that might be the case. Nevertheless, either mistakes happen or some judges—very few—have an alternative view. What I understand from the noble Baroness, Lady Bertin, is that she

wants the Minister to put on record that guidance will be updated and to make it absolutely clear that this should not happen again. I do not know whether she is going to move her amendment or what will happen, but I would have thought that, at the very least, the Minister should be able to do that and say that guidance will be updated.

The noble Baronesses, Lady Hamwee and Lady Uddin, both have experience of working in refuges and they know the importance of keeping these addresses secret. I hope we will hear from the Minister something that sufficiently reassures his noble friend Lady Bertin that this issue can be properly addressed once and for all.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

810 cc1705-6 

Session

2019-21

Chamber / Committee

House of Lords chamber

Subjects

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