Coroners and Justice Bill

My Lords, the Minister says that the use of live links is inconsistent. Some need consent, while others do not; so what does he do? He says that no one shall need consent in any hearing and that that will make it all consistent, but it would be fairer to require consent every time a live link is proposed. For a person who is locked up in a prison cell or who is in a police station, having to have his case heard at a distance where he is not supported directly by his legal team and his legal team cannot take instructions from him easily—it can be done but with considerable difficulty—is a disadvantage. In many instances, one would advise a defendant not to consent, but now the Government, in the interests of rationality, have decided to make it the same for everyone: no consent required. That is just an indication of the way in which this Government have gone from the beginning in the field of the criminal law. For the moment, however, I do not propose to divide the House, and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 77A withdrawn. Clause 103 : Powers in respect of offenders who assist investigations and prosecutions Amendment 78 Clause 103 : Powers in respect of offenders who assist investigations and prosecutions Amendment 78 Moved by