Government amendment on “deeply damaging” non-disclosure agreements does not go far enough to protect victims

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

After tireless campaigning by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, the Government in the House of Lords has tabled an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill that ensures non-disclosure agreements preventing victims from disclosing information to the police or other bodies (including confidential support services) cannot be legally enforced. 

Responding to the tabling of this amendment, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said: 

"The Liberal Democrats have long been campaigning to end the deeply damaging practice of non-disclosure agreements. This amendment is a welcome move that will help victims to access the support they need.

"But while this is a step in the right direction, the Government is not going far enough in giving victims their voice back.

"We need a complete ban of NDAs in cases of sexual misconduct, harassment and bullying to ensure that no victim is silenced."

ENDS

Notes to Editors: 

Layla Moran tabled amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill on 17th May 2023 at Committee Stage calling for the Bill to include provisions on NDAs for victims of sexual misconduct, bullying, and harassment and again on the 29th November at Report Stagecalling for provisions that would ensure victims of crime who had signed an NDA could not be prevented from accessing support services.

The Government in the House of Lords tabled their amendment on 9th April 2024.