As well as working hard for Huddersfield as its Member of Parliament, I am also the Chair of the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) on Miscarriages of Justice. The APPG aims to prevent miscarriages of justice from occurring by campaigning for reform, as well as ensuring justice for those who are wrongfully convicted.
I believe that access to legal aid should not be discriminated by your wealth, education or privilege. As I highlighted in Parliament, the lack of legal aid for those wrongfully convicted is debilitating for those seeking justice. Our criminal system is fundamentally flawed and desperately needs a culture change, which is where our work comes in. The APPG was formed in November 2017, bringing together parliamentarians to examine the problems in the criminal justice system that result in miscarriages of justice. These injustices are caused by state mistakes and consequentially these mistakes should be rectified by the state.
Many of those wrongfully convicted are released with no compensation and support, which is unacceptable. It is key that steps are taken to help those wrongfully convicted rebuild their lives. I continue to push for action alongside my colleagues to raise awareness of the faults in the legal system to avoid wrongful convictions and to support and secure action for those who have been wrongfully convicted.
Barry Sheerman 