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Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan has announced plans to help grieving relatives of murder victims.
Speaking at the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Khan pledged to strengthen current practices which see police forces appoint family liaison officers to bereaved families.
He said a future Labour government will introduce a new 'victims' law' as called for by the Victims' Commissioner, Louise Casey.
Khan said it would be enshrined in statute so the rights of bereaved families of victims of homicide are honoured.
The law would "deliver effective justice and treat victims with respect and dignity", he told conference.
Khan said the plans would "support victims through all stages of the process, including the deeply traumatic experience of when a case reaches court".
He added: "Under Labour, victims will be at the heart of our criminal justice system and I will work with victims groups to ensure we get this right.
"This summer's riots show that we need a government that isn’t out of touch.
"Our country deserves better than knock down justice."
Khan went on to criticise the government’s police cuts and hailed Labour’s record on law and order.
"On our watch, we prioritised victims of rape, we strengthened the law on consent, trained 500 more specialist rape prosecutors and increased investment on centres offering help to victims of rape and sexual assaults," he said.
"And, because of human rights legislation, rape victims are no longer put through the traumatic experience of being cross-examined in person by their alleged assailants."
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The government recognises the immense trauma suffered by families bereaved by murder and manslaughter.
"This is why we have invested £2.75m in the homicide service and specialist groups this year, to provide bereaved families with a dedicated caseworker, emotional support and practical help.
"We are also reviewing victims' services, including the victims' code which enshrines victims' rights, to ensure everyone receives the best support throughout the criminal justice process."
The department said this would be followed by a full public consultation.
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