Rosie Cooper, MP for West Lancashire has received assurances from one of the Government’s top lawyers that the Government is doing all it can to prosecute fraudsters.

In a Parliamentary Question, Rosie asked Vera Baird, the Solicitor General, what steps the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is taking to increase its effectiveness in prosecuting fraudsters. In response the Solicitor General said that:

“A new structure, a new focus, a new approach to work and improved processes has produced a number of improvements in prosecutions. We are confident that there will be more to follow as the changes bed in.”

Rosie also asked what steps the Serious Fraud Office is taking to protect the victims of fraud and was assured that the SFO “has a high regard for the importance of looking after witnesses”.

Rosie said:

“Some people think of fraud as a victimless crime but this is simply not the case. The victims of fraud can often be vulnerable people and their lives can be very adversely affected by the crime. People who commit fraud need to be dealt with seriously and I am pleased that the Government is tackling this.”