SHIPLEY MP Philip Davies has welcomed what he claims to be an apparent “shift in policy” over victims being consulted before a prisoner moves to an open prison.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Justice Minister Mike Penning was quoted as saying that while victims should not have a veto on any decisions, they should be “consulted at each stage of the pathway”.

Mr Davies, who has been lobbying for a change in policy for some time, said he was “delighted” with the minister’s response. “I think victims are spoken to in some cases, but certainly not all,” he said.

“At the moment, victims are not getting enough say, and we are allowing serious offenders to live a cushy life in open prisons.

“Most people assume open prisons would be for the most minor of offences, but this is not the case.”

“I will now be asking Parliamentary questions to find out how many victims have been contacted about their offender being downgraded.”