Euro MP Urges UK Government to stand up to Eurosceptics and defend British victims of crime

In a key vote in the European Parliament this week Euro MPs voted on a new law to on establish minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime.

The vote follows a long campaign by local Euro MP Arlene McCarthy who has been calling on the European Commission to strengthen the rights of victims of crime across the 27 Member States of the European Union.

Arlene has called for action from the EU since the tragic murder of her Liverpool constituent Gary Dunne in Spain in 2006 left his family facing years of struggle to receive justice, justice which they are still fighting for.

Arlene said: “Too often victims and their families are denied critical information and support. They are often too distressed to understand the complex procedures of another country's justice system.”

"We urgently need a fast and simple EU system which explains their rights, gives information in their own language and provides essential support to families and victims. This new law will help put this in place.”

Arlene, who is supporting campaigner Maggie Hughes whose son was the subject of a vicious and debilitating attack in Greece in 2008. Arlene added: "This law is a tribute to campaigners like Gary Dunne's parents and Maggie Hughes who have turned personal tragedy into a commitment that others won't face the challenges they did. I and my colleagues in the European Parliament will now ensure this new law lives up to the campaigners' calls."

The UK has until 1 June 2014 to decide whether to exercise its opt out from all EU policing and criminal law measures adopted prior to the Lisbon Treaty.

Arlene said: "This law provides vital protection for British victims of crime across Europe. It would be travesty if this Government for anti-European ideological reasons pulled out of this law. We need to continue to stand up and support our victims of crime."