Survivors of domestic violence deserve more consideration than their perpetrators – George arranges for Tina Nash to meet Justice Minister today
The survivor of severe domestic violence, Tina Nash, and her local MP, Andrew George, will meet Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones MP later today. Ms Davies-Jones agreed her Department needed to learn lessons from failings in the Government’s victim support service and the poor treatment of Tina, when her perpetrator (who blinded, broke her jaw and nose, strangled her, and imprisoned her for 12 hours until she managed to escape in 2011) was released without being consulted and without her knowledge to an open prison.
The Minister agreed to meet with Tina and Andrew during a debate on the passage of the Government’s Victims’ Bill.
Mr George has been raising his concerns about the extremely poor treatment Tina has experienced, including to the then Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, earlier this year. Tina had neither been consulted nor informed prior to the decision to release her perpetrator to open conditions. Mr George urged the Minister to use her powers to challenge the Parole Board’s decision and to review the wider system that allows such moves without sufficient consultation, consideration, or safeguards for victims.
Mr George has also challenged the Parole Board Chair and CEO and demanded an apology, which Tina has since received.
“The primary purpose of prison must be public protection,” Mr George said. “Any person capable of such appalling violence should remain behind bars until they are incapable of harming another person.”
He added, “Tina’s case exposes deep flaws in the current system. Victims deserve full protection and the right to expect the State to protect them from further distress or danger.”
Mr George raised his criticisms of the handling of Tina’s case and the need for reform (see Hansard, columns 90–92 on 27.10.25) and proposed amendments to the Bill. The Minister responded positively, expressing support for the principle behind the amendment and agreeing to meet with Mr George and Tina Nash to discuss how victims’ rights can be strengthened (see column 108).
The meeting will take place in the precincts of the Palace of Westminster rather than the Minister’s office.