Vera Baird DBE KC

Chair Criminal Cases Review Commission. Member Women’s Justice Bd.
Ex Victims’ Commissioner, Solicitor Gen & PCC. Fellow St Hilda’s Oxford. Writer. Labour Party

Tag: vera baird

PRESS RELEASE: Domestic abuse. Children can learn by example.

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\’Children can learn by example\’ – that\’s the message of Northumbria Police and Vera Baird\’s campaign tackling domestic violence over the festive period.Launched on Thursday 27th November, the forcewide initiative asks those involved in a domestically abusive relationship, whether as the victim or the perpetrator, to think about the affect their behaviour is having on children living under the same roof. It\’s being supported by Vera Baird, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria.
Regardless of whether the child has been physically abused, witnessing violent behaviour in their home by seeing it, hearing it or just noticing signs of injury, will have a profound affect on them.
Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Mrs Baird, who made domestic and sexual abuse a priority of her police and crime plan and with her fellow north east Commissioners launched the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy in 2013, said: “It is well known that the victims of domestic abuse are not just those who bear the brunt of the assaults and abuse but the children who witness these events on a daily basis.
“Sadly these youngsters can also be the target for this violence meaning that the impact of this behaviour has a far reaching and long-lasting impact which is often perpetuated through generations.
“Domestic abuse is a terrible legacy for families and we must protect the victims and any children to ensure this crime is tackled.
“One important area where this can be implemented is through education. This is by taking the key messages into schools, youth clubs and colleges, and talking with teachers and youth leaders about the effects of domestic violence and how the different strands of awareness can be best communicated to young people, as they look at the areas of healthy relationships.
“People must not stay quiet and think it is their fault – this is never the case and there are people working in various organisations who can help victims to safety and the assistance they need.
“And while this is a Christmas campaign, it is not a crime which is just limited to the festive season. Domestic abuse happens every hour of every day of every year and we must ensure this crime is never forgotten.”
Temporary Detective Superintendent Lisa Orchard said: \”Children can \’witness\’ domestic abuse in many ways.
\”They don\’t have to see this first hand. They may be in another room and hear everything that\’s happening. They may see the aftermath of a violent episode such as injuries to their parents or guardians or breakages in the house.
\”However it\’s witnessed, it can still go on to have a detrimental impact on a child\’s own behaviour.
\”They may become withdrawn, anxious or depressed; have problems with school or even go on to display aggression themselves.
\”While we completely understand the trauma faced by victims of domestic violence, we\’re urging them to think about how this is also traumatic for any children involved and can affect the rest of their lives. They can stop this cycle of abuse by reporting it to police or speaking to a support agency.
\”The same message goes to those who commit acts of domestic violence who should seek help to alter their behaviour.\”
Anyone suffering abuse can call 0800 066 5555 for independent and confidential advice.
To change abusive behaviour, call Respect on 0808 802 4040.
In an emergency, call 999 or to speak to your local Neighbourhood Policing Team call 101, extension 69191.
November 29, 2014
Restorative Justice – Making A Difference in Northumbria
Restorative Justice really does make a difference – here is a story from the Evening Chronicle about how it made a difference to two ladies in Whitley Bay.

November 21, 2014
Northumbria receiving national recognition
Special mention was made of the work being undertaken by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird by the Home Secretary Theresa May at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ Annual Conference in Harrogate.
Mrs May was recognising the work of Commissioners from across England and Wales when she made special mention of the Northumbria Commissioner.
The Home Secretary was talking about engaging with local communities and recognised that Commissioners such as Mrs Baird had raised the profile of the role and shown that they could make a difference.
She said: “As Vera Baird, the Police and Crime Commissioner in Northumbria, has said: ‘My post bag and the hundreds of meetings I go to make clear the public is now well aware of the presence of commissioners and very interested to hear about them and hold them to account.’”
Mrs Baird added: “When I was elected, I promised to keep in touch with local residents by attending meetings and events and by being accessible – this is exactly what I have done and will continue to do. The mail that comes into my office far exceeds anything the Police Authority received. It’s good that local residents see me as being accessible and a voice for them in ensuring Northumbria Police is delivering for local communities.”
The Home Secretary also recognised that Police and Crime Commissioners can be innovative and forward thinking, saying: “In Northumbria, Vera Baird’s work has led to the creation of 165 Domestic and Sexual Violence Champions in workplaces, clubs and public spaces, among other important initiatives.”
Mrs Baird added: “We will continue to drive change and implement changes that will make a difference to serious issues. As Police and Crime Commissioner I have the ability to bring partners together to address issues and drive forward change – this has happened with the Vulnerability Training and the workplace Champions strategy.”
As we head towards a General Election, all parties have put forward different ways of dealing with police governance.
Vera Baird said: “It’s vitally important that police governance engages with the public and that they have a voice. The Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is right to have this discussion, to learn what has gone well since the creation of PCCs and to ensure that the public continue to be fully engaged and have confidence in police governance and that police officers continue to serve the communities they work in.”
November 20, 2014
Deep Coal – Deep Community
‘Deep Coal Deep Community – 30 years on from the Miners’ Strike’
Memories of the Miners’ Strike of 30 years ago were brought to life with words and song at the opening of an exhibition at St Thomas the Martyr Church in Newcastle.
And the event combined with the opening of the Herman Schier Vestry by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird.
This is a newly renovated and very attractive meeting room in the church named in memory of 25-year-old Herman Schier who died during the 1882 Trimdon Grange Colliery disaster which claimed 74 lives.
He is commemorated in the church on a brass plaque which has been hidden from view for many years and presumed to have been given by his parents who lived and worked in Newcastle. Mr Schier was overcome with gas as he led a rescue party from a neighbouring pit.
Running underneath the church is the Victoria Tunnel which used to carry coal from a pit at Spital Tongues to the River Tyne.
Jonathan Adams of St Thomas’ Church said: “Coal is part of our history and we’ve only recently discovered a memorial to Herman Schier here in one of our two church vestries, which is also used as a meeting room, and thought this would be a fitting tribute.”
‘Deep Coal Deep Community – 30 years on from the Miners’ Strike’ is an exhibition using photos, miners’ banners and words to remember the bitter miners’ strike of 1984/85.
It followed an announcement by the National Coal Board to close 20 pits with the loss of 20,000 jobs and Arthur Scargill’s call for a national strike.
The dispute brought pickets and police into dispute, with violent confrontations including the ‘Battle of Orgreave’ in June 1984.
While the strike divided opinion and communities it did bring support, particularly from the women in the affected communities.
When the strike came to an end, a year after it started, the miners returned to work behind colliery bands and lodge banners and alongside the women and children who had given them great support.
The event at the well known Newcastle church in Newcastle’s Haymarket was opened by the Dunston Silver Band and featured music and films about Orgreave.
Other guest speakers included Ian Lavery MP and Durham Miners’ Association General Secretary Dave Hopper.
Mr Lavery said: “The significance of the miners’ strike of 1984/85 is now firmly etched into the industrial and political history of Britain and, of course, our great region.
“Only now the real truth is coming to the fore. Recently released Government cabinet papers now clearly show that the dispute was unmistakably political and not industrial but based on an ideology to attack the trade union movement beginning with the mining communities.
“Coal will continue to fuel the world’s economies yet despite our substantial indigenous reserves we have only three working collieries left in the UK and none in the north east. What an absolute disgrace it is that globally coal consumption and production continues to rise and we as a nation import more coal than we produce.”
Mr Hopper said: “The Durham Miners’ Association is pleased to be associated with this event which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the historic miners strike to protect our jobs, industry and communities.
“The event has tremendous significance for us as it recognises the sacrifice of Herman Schier who led a rescue party in an attempt to save lives following the explosion at Trimdon Grange Colliery in 1882, a disaster made famous in the Tommy Armstrong folk classic ‘The Trimdon Grange Explosion’ which was sung at the event.
“The coalfields were all too familiar with death and explosions and this year also sees the centenary of the Great War where thousands of coal miners paid the ultimate price. Miners were far from ‘The Enemy Within’.”
“We welcome events of this nature as we still today, some 30 years on, campaign for the truth and justice which was taken away in 1984/85.”
Commissioner Vera Baird, who researched the Schier connection to the church and is a congregation member at St Thomas’, added: “I was delighted to take part in this event.
“Not only is this church very close to my heart but I was closely involved in the miner’s strike of 1984/85 representing many miners for over a year of court cases during the strike and acting for three of the 15 pickets who were put on trial following the mass arrests at Orgreave.
“I know from first hand experience the impact this year-long dispute had on individuals and communities and this exhibition helps provide a snapshot of this time and the affect it had, even now 30 years on.”
The exhibition includes mining banners together with photos and text looking at the call to strike; the closures and loss of jobs, the bitter disputes; the mass meetings; the women’s support groups and the return of the miners – beaten but still with their pride.
The free exhibition, which is sponsored by the Durham Miners’ Association, will run from 17 November to 13 December, Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm each day.
November 17, 2014
PRESS RELEASE: Commissioner Baird celebrates Living Wage Week.

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Commissioner joins the celebrations for Living Wage week
Northumbria Police is joining in with the Living Wage celebrations this week after almost a year as an official Living Wage employer.
Living Wage week, which this year runs from November 2 to 8, will again celebrate Living Wage employers and the employees who benefit.
The Living Wage is different to the minimum wage and is based on the amount someone needs to earn to cover the basic cost of living.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said: \”I\’m delighted the force is now able to join the celebrations of this unique club which has widespread political and business support.
\”As the force celebrates being an official Living Wage employer for nearly a year, I\’ve been able to see first hand the difference implementing this policy has made.”
There are now around 750 employers accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, committing them to pay the Living Wage to employed and subcontracted staff and the Commissioner added: \”I\’m delighted Northumbria Police is an official Living Wage employer.\”
When the cleaners, who in the past were sub-contacted to Northumbria Police, were brought in house they received an extra £1.15 an hour – for an average contract of 20 hours a week.
\”This is an extra £100 a month in the pay packet and shows how we value all our employees and the work they do and that everyone is part of \’Team Northumbria\’,\” Vera Baird said.
She added: \”I\’ve always been an advocate of the Living Wage and as we’re in Living Wage Week, it’s now a good time to encourage other employers to come on board.
\”In the current economic climate we must do everything we can to help those on the minimum wage. If you value people, you have to show it and I believe that giving a decent wage is important.
\”Currently 5.2 million people in the UK are paid less than the Living Wage with women and young people disproportionately affected.
\”Living Wage week is an ideal time for other businesses to sign up – it\’s morally right and makes good business sense too.
\”I\’m confident this time next year even more north east businesses will be accredited as Living Wage employers.\”
The photograph shows Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird with one of the force cleaners Derek Bellis at Forth Banks.
October 31, 2014
Human Rights Act – My view
The Human Rights Act is badly needed – and we have ample proof.
Read my article about Human Rights in the Journal
October 23, 2014
Stormont decision welcomed by Northumbria Commissioner

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has welcomed the decision of Stormont assembly members to start the legislative process to ban paying for sex.
In the UK, selling or buying sex is not currently illegal.
However, it is illegal to buy sex from someone who is controlled for another person’s gain; other illegal activities including loitering and soliciting for prostitution; kerb crawling; keeping a brothel and placing an advert for prostitution within the vicinity of a public telephone box.
Northern Ireland has now started the process that paying for sex becomes illegal.
Discussions went on until late into the night and the Bill is aimed at amending Northern Ireland’s laws on trafficking and prostitution.
Currently, when it comes to prosecution it is the prostitute who is more likely to be prosecuted rather than the person paying for sex.
Government figures for 2002 show there were 2,678 convictions for soliciting in comparison to only 993 convictions for kerb crawling.
Vera Baird said: “I congratulate the members of Stormont Assembly for leading the way in further ensuring the protection and safety of women.
“By following the Nordic model, consumers rather than workers in the sex trade are targeted.
“Many of these women often have very troubled backgrounds and research shows that up to 70% of those in street prostitution have a history of local authority care and up to 75% have been physically assaulted at the hands of pimps and punters.
“The introduction of this Bill will ensure these women are safer.”
The clause was passed, during the Bill’s consideration stage, by 81 to 10 votes. It still has to go through the legislative process but, as such a large number of members supported the Bill, it is likely to become law.
Mrs Baird said: “Stormont has spoken loud and clear on members’ wishes to further protect women and I welcome the strong commitment from across the assembly to support the legislation. We must follow suit in the rest of the UK as quickly as possible.”
There was opposition to the Bill from a minority of members, including Stormont’s Justice Minister David Ford who saw no evidence to prove that this legislation would reduce the incidence of trafficking.
Mrs Baird said: “One of the most common forms of trafficking and slavery is using women for prostitution, enticing them when they are at their lowest ebb with promises of money and security. Yet prostitution puts the women in a very dangerous position.
“In 2006, it was found that people are much less likely to be convicted of murdering a prostitute than any other kind of murder. The murder conviction rate stands at 75% but drops to 26% when it comes to the killings of women in prostitution.”
She added: “We all have a duty to support these women to ensure they can enjoy a life away from fear and intimidation.”
October 21, 2014
PRESS RELEASE: Commissioner demands Government takes urgent action.
Commissioner demands Government takes urgent action
New Government powers to tackle anti-social behaviour must be supported with extra funding, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has said.
The Government has introduced five new powers which have come in to effect today, which the Government believe will enable the police, local authorities and others to respond quickly and effectively to anti-social behaviour (ASB) as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Northumbria Police has worked closely with partners to ensure the smooth implementation of the powers and the Commissioner’s office has consulted on the community remedy list with the public in Northumbria who clearly favour the following two options:
Educational or rehabilitative activities 20% of respondents
Unpaid work within the community 21% of respondents
For these options to be effective, they need funding. The Government cannot rely on the police and Local Authorities to pick up this cost.
Since 2010, the Northumbria Police budget has been cut by nearly £70m and local authorities have faced similar pressures. Local authority ASB leads have said they are concerned about the cost implications brought by Community Remedy with no additional funding provided for the options to provide structured activities or activities which put something back into the community.
The Commissioner Vera Baird said: \”Like everything this Government does, changes are rushed through and no extra funding provided to ensure the transition is successful.
\”Most of the remedies need resources to ensure their success and the Government should be funding this initiative as it’s important local residents and police officers have confidence in the system they’re working with.\”
The Commissioner has called on the Justice Secretary to convene an urgent meeting with colleagues in Parliament to secure the extra funding needed to pay for this initiative.
\”Northumbria Police continue to tackle ASB head-on – but if the Government wants this new scheme to work, they need to fund it,\” Mrs Baird added.
October 20, 2014
New ASB powers need funding from Government.
Correspondence sent by Commissioner Baird to Chris Grayling MP in relation to the new Anti-Social Behaviour Powers
20th October 2014

Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP
Secretary of State
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
20^th October 2014

Dear Secretary of State,
Anti-Social Behaviour Powers
As today sees the launch of the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, I am taking this opportunity to raise concerns that I have in relation to this matter.
The Government has introduced five new powers which have come in to effect today, which the Government believe will enable the police, local authorities and others to respond quickly and effectively to ASB.
Northumbria Police has worked closely with partners to ensure the smooth implementation of the powers and my office has consulted on the community remedy list with the public in Northumbria clearly favouring the following two options:
Educational or rehabilitative activities 20%
Unpaid work within the community 21%
Local authorities across Northumbria welcome any initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour, but they do have concerns about how the public’s two most popular remedies will be delivered as no extra funding has been made available from Government.
The Government must take ownership of this problem as the public are being invited to take part in this programme, but funding is not available to support these initiatives.
The Police and local government budgets are stretched to capacity, as you will be aware central Government has taken nearly £70 million from the Northumbria Police budget alone and there is literally no extra funding available.
If the government want this programme to be a success, you must ensure that there is funding to support the work of local authorities and the police.
I call upon you to hold urgent meetings with your colleagues to resolve this matter and we can then move forward and deliver a programme that all partners are able to do with confidence and which results in public satisfaction and a reduction in ASB.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes.
Vera Baird QC
Police & Crime Commissioner – Northumbria.
October 20, 2014
Is this Government Serious about protecting victims?
Is this Government serious about protecting victims? – Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird
This week Justice Secretary Chris Grayling MP provided the House of Commons with further information about the Government\’s document \’Our Commitment to Victims\’.
In a Written Ministerial Statement Mr Grayling believes the proposed laws will see victims kept informed about their case and courts will allow most to provide a personal impact statement.
Vera Baird said: \”What the Justice Secretary has announced is a few add ons to the Victims\’ Code – but nothing of real substance.
\”A lot of what is mentioned in the Written Ministerial Statement is already happening, an example being that victim impact statements will become law, however they have already proved their worth without legislation. We saw the benefits of impact statements in the Rolf Harris case. These statements allow the courts to know how victims have been affected by a crime and for the perpetrator to hear how their actions can ruin lives.\”
Mrs Baird added: \”Let’s be absolutely clear, Chris Grayling is the Secretary of State who has cut compensation to victims to the bone and scrapped legal aid for victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
\”It\’s a shocking indictment of this Government’s policies for victims that two-thirds of domestic violence victims have been left with no legal aid to safeguard families against violent partners. This is a Government that tells us they take seriously the need to address domestic violence – then they remove the very support that is needed.\”
The Government has published updates and provided further information, but they have avoided the question about why they implemented cuts to the Criminal Justice Compensation Board.
\”Let us be under no illusion, as Shadow Justice Secretary Sadiq Khan recently said, the Government has let victims down by cutting compensation for innocent victims of violent crime and leaving the position of Victims’ Commissioner vacant for almost a year, before making the role part time,\” the Commissioner said.
\”Downing Street does not speak up for victims of crime. David Cameron wanted to reduce prison sentences by half if criminals entered a guilty plea, they have closed refuges and cut resources for Victim Support.
\”The Labour Party continues to work with organisations that support victims to ensure the right support, at the right time, is in place. The next Labour Government will implement a strategy that keeps victims at the heart of all decisions which is the right way forward – not add ons and bolt ons to existing legislation as the current Government is doing.\”
Putting victims first is a commitment Vera Baird has given in her Police and Crime Plan for residents of Northumbria and from April 2015 responsibility for some victims\’ services will fall to Police and Crime Commissioners.
Vera Baird has consulted on an outline strategy and is mapping the need for services. Through working with local authorities and other responsible partners she will devise a final joint strategy ensuring local services for victims are the best that can be jointly provided.
\”Victims will always be at the centre of the criminal justice system in our region,\” she said.
October 17, 2014