Paul Kohler MP pushes Prime Minister to invest in restorative justice
At PMQS today (Wednesday 29th January 2025), Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon Paul Kohler, urged the Prime Minister to invest in restorative justice after his own life was ‘transformed’ after meeting his attacker, securing a meeting with the Government.
In 2014, Paul was brutally attacked in his own home and had his life saved by two police officers from Wimbledon police station who were able to reach his home in just eight minutes.
At PMQs, Paul recounted his experience in the chamber, highlighting the charity Why Me, who transformed his and his family’s lives by organising a restorative justice session with one of his four attackers.
As a result, the Prime Minister promised Paul a meeting with the relevant Government Minister to discuss increasing access to restorative justice.
Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon, Paul Kohler said:
“I entered active politics after an attack in my home was misused by others to promote their anti-EU, anti-immigrant agenda.
My life was saved by two brave officers from Wimbledon Police station - but as a family, our lives were transformed by a Restorative Justice session organised by the charity Why Me, where we met one of my four attackers in prison.
Will the Prime Minister meet with me to discuss how his government can give Restorative Justice greater emphasis to put victims at the centre of the criminal justice system, reduce recidivism and cut crime AND costs.”
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer responded:
“Can I extend my sympathy for what the Honourable Member experienced? It must have had a profound impact on him and of course his family.
“I too have seen the power of restorative justice, which does enable victims to receive answers, and perpetrators have to face the human cost of their crimes.
“Under the Victims’ Code, all adult victims must be told about restorative justice and how to access it. We can always do more and I’ll ensure that he gets the meeting he wants with the relevant minister.”