The UK Government has published its response to the consultation paper ‘Improving the Criminal Trial Process for Young Witnesses’ which was published in June 2007.

Most of the recommendations have been accepted by the government.

Those that require legislation are included in the Coroners and Justice Bill:

• to give more choice in how evidence is given by removing the present rigid presumptions that young witnesses must give evidence by video recorded statement and live link, subject to safeguards
• for a supporter in the TV link room
• to extend special measures to those under 18 (presently limited to those under 17 years)
• to extend the intermediary special measure to vulnerable defendants giving evidence in court, where it is necessary to ensure a fair trial.

The report is available to download from the Ministry of Justice website.