Contributions
1,222 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)We now go to the other end of the spectrum and look at this from a different direction by addressing how courts handle evidence of a defendant’s propensity to commit domestic…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)Contrary to our other interactions, I think it reasonable for the Minister just to write to me. I read the Bill to mean that these types of things cannot be included at all, so…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)It has a few times.23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I wonder whether the Minister might reflect on that. I think there would be good reason to say that the supporter should not really be a family member. That is not how the system…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Ninth sitting)I have always struggled somewhat with the question of redaction. If reporting restrictions are in place, what can be shared and so on will be controlled, but anybody can sit in a…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)The Minister has pointed to complaints, and that is an important element, but there is something in between complaints and legal appeal. Again, from my own experience, working…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I rise to speak in connection to clause 13 and amendment 70, which are about how witnesses are supported while navigating the potentially stressful environment of the courtroom.…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)As we have heard, clause 15 clarifies the use of pre-recorded evidence for cross-examination and re-examination, which is often referred to as section 28 evidence. Our courts…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Ninth sitting)I am grateful to the hon. Member for Wimbledon, who is not in his place, for the advice received in relation to amendment 54, which was drafted with the assistance of the Clerks.…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)I am in danger of not knowing my figures, but I think the impact assessment suggests that 25% of cases in the list of offences will be included, so I am not sure whether it is…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)rose —21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)indicated assent .21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)I rise to speak in support of Opposition amendment 46, which is in my name, as we debate elements of the Government’s proposals to remove jury trials and make use of the new Crown…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)I want to pick up on a couple of points the Minister made, particularly the one that our amendment, in relation to a study, would require primary legislation. That is simply not…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)I rise to speak to my amendment 53 and to amendment 13, tabled by the Liberal Democrat spokesperson, the hon. Member for Chichester. Clause 6 includes a provision that seeks to…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)As we are touching on these issues, those of us on the Opposition Benches are happy to say that we have to work harder on judicial accountability and decision making, and we are…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)I will be quick. The public care about the Government’s justification for what they are doing, not what we have done. If the Government are leaning on what we have done in the…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)This happens all the time. We point out deficiencies in the Government’s position, so Members get their Whips’ handouts with suggestions to “just point out to them what they did…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)I oppose clause 6, which, as we have discussed, grants the Lord Chancellor the power to increase the maximum sentencing limit in magistrates courts from the current 12 months to…21 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Eighth sitting)Yes, absolutely. I have acknowledged that on a number of occasions, along with what the Government have done on Crown court sitting days and a number of other ways that I…21 Apr 2026