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Perhaps Vanessa Munro might have a different perspective.

Thank you.

I want to ask about independent legal representation, in order to put on the record the views of the witnesses and, in particular, those of Sheila Webster, because she has spoken a number of times about the whole judicial process and not just the court element.

Given everything that survivors and rape victims have said about the disempowering nature of the whole process for them, and given its adversarial nature, does Sheila Webster not think that there is a strong case for those people to have advice and legal representation throughout the process, so that they will understand what is going on and their interests will be protected? Perhaps, given the time, Sheila can respond briefly.

It would be fair to ask Professor Munro if she has anything to add to that.

It happens in many parts of Europe, and indeed in parts of South America and in other jurisdictions, but I appreciate that you may not have looked at those.

Thank you.

Did the review consider whether complainers might be provided with independent legal representation in a wider range of circumstances? You may be aware that, in other jurisdictions in recent decades, legal representation has been introduced throughout the process in some cases. Did the review group consider that, or have you given any thought to it?

Have you looked at other jurisdictions, or did you not do that in any detail? Did you consider whether some of the consequences that we have been discussing have transpired in other countries where independent legal representation has been brought in?

As you know, one concern that is raised repeatedly by survivors and victims organisations is the lack of power and information that many rape victims in particular feel throughout the process—not only during the court process but from the very early stages.

As you know, one of the major concerns—