An independent review of stalking laws will examine whether current laws are strong enough to protect victims and ensure perpetrators are punished, the government has said. 

The review, led by criminal barrister Richard Wright KC, will consider how stalking and harassment laws work together and whether legislation sufficiently defines and addresses stalking behaviour. It will also determine whether changes in the law are necessary to aid police in better handling of stalking cases, the impact of new and emerging technology and whether the current legal framework can ‘deal with stalking behaviours facilitated by technology’.

It is expected to be completed by March 2026.

The review follows a 2022 ‘super-complaint’ by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium which said there was evidence that police forces ‘routinely’ fail to recognise stalking and mishandle stalking cases.

The complaint led to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and the College of Policing whose findings, published last year, included a recommendation for the Home Office to change the law on stalking.

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Wright said: ‘The stalking super-complaint has shone a light on the experience of victims of stalking within the criminal justice system and my review will be conducted rapidly to identify any gaps in existing legislation and make any necessary recommendations for change. It is essential that the criminal law provides the necessary level of protection to victims of this serious offence and that as a result victims have confidence in the criminal justice system and feel able to report dangerous stalking behaviour.’

Jess Phillips, minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, described the review as ‘vital’ to ensure laws are ‘strong and bold enough to protect victims and track down perpetrators’.