STRAW RACE AGAINST TIME ON WITNESSES

27-06-2008

Justice Secretary Jack Straw faces a race against time after pledging to strengthen the law allowing anonymous witnesses to give evidence in serious trials. Straw has to get new legislation through the Commons before the recess on July 22.

The aim is to ensure that four men found guilty of killing Aston teenagers Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare remain behind bars despite a recent ruling allowing them the right to appeal.

According to the Law Lords, the convictions were unsafe because they relied on anonymous evidence.

As we reported previously, Westminster was rife with rumours that the hectic Commons timetable would make it impossible for Straw to act – but he’s relented to pressure from West Midlands MPs, including Khalid Mahmood (see link here).

An announcement yesterday confirmed that the current law would be strengthened, although precise details remain vague.

It also remains to be seen whether MPs are willing to delay their holidays beyond the July 22 deadline if necessary.