Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West Greg Mulholland yesterday urged justice secretary Michael Gove to bring forward changes to criminal driving law sooner than current plans.

It follows Greg Mulholland‘s Criminal Driving (Justice for Victims) Bill, which he introduced in the House of Commons on 12th January 2016.

A government review of penalties for driving offences was announced on 6th May 2014, but in a meeting for MPs that Greg Mulholland secured and was held the day before the Bill’s reading, Michael Gove said a consultation document would only be released later this year- around two and a half years after the review was announced- with legislation likely next year.

Addressing ministers, Greg Mulholland said:

“I hope that the Secretary of State, who takes a keen interest in this issue, will meet me and Brake to discuss my Criminal Driving (Justice for Victims) Bill. May I gently point out that the consultation on this started on 6 May 2014-a very long time ago, and we are not expecting to hear anything back from the right hon. Gentleman until later this year?”

Responding, Michael Gove said he was “grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the persistent and effective way in which he has continued to campaign for a change in the law” and that his department would be giving a response to the call for changes “in due course”.

Commenting afterwards, Greg Mulholland said:

“I welcome the clear interest that the Secretary of State has shown in this matter. The review of penalties for driving offences was announced on 6th May 2014 and it is vital that we avoid any further delays. Proper justice for victims of criminal driving and their families should not be delayed and I will continue to urge ministers to do what they can to expedite the process.”