Contributions
1,107 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDLegal Professionals: Pro Bono WorkI am pleased to hear that the hon. Gentleman also did pro bono work; he is to be commended for that. As he will know, the Ministry of Justice is carrying out a review of the…23 May 2019HANSARDLegal Professionals: Pro Bono WorkThat is a good point, because students can play a critical role in giving support, and of course both London and the regions need to help and support those in need. In my role as…23 May 2019HANSARDLegal Professionals: Pro Bono WorkMy hon. Friend is a very well respected criminal barrister and has done a great amount of work here as a member of the Justice Committee. He is absolutely right to highlight the…23 May 2019HANSARDLegal Professionals: Pro Bono WorkI am pleased that my hon. Friend has mentioned the work of Advocate, which used to be called the Bar pro bono unit. As a barrister, I was pleased to volunteer for the unit. In…23 May 2019HANSARDCPS Engagement with Local CommunitiesAs the hon. Gentleman will know, rape is one of the most difficult offences to prove, with cases often relying on say-so and the testimony of individuals—the evidence of two…23 May 2019HANSARDCPS Engagement with Local CommunitiesRape is an absolutely terrible crime, and those who suffer it need to be supported through the criminal justice system. I am pleased that the reporting figures for rape have gone…23 May 2019HANSARD Information Disclosure: Pre-trial Abuse of Process HearingsMy hon. Friend makes an important point that I will come on to. It is absolutely right that counsel or solicitor must not mislead the court, as officers of the court with a…22 May 2019HANSARD Information Disclosure: Pre-trial Abuse of Process HearingsI appreciate that my right hon. Friend’s constituent feels that trust in the criminal justice system has been shaken. That is of concern. I reiterate that as far as I am aware no…22 May 2019HANSARD Information Disclosure: Pre-trial Abuse of Process HearingsIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Robertson. I thank my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Dame Cheryl Gillan) for raising these important…22 May 2019HANSARD Information Disclosure: Pre-trial Abuse of Process HearingsA review of disclosure has already taken place. Further guidance will come out in due course. I am happy to update my right hon. Friend on any further details on that and will…22 May 2019HANSARD Rape Trials: Treatment of VictimsI have already had the honour of liaising with Vera Baird, and I very much look forward to discussing this issue with her. The issue of consistency across police forces and the…15 May 2019HANSARD Rape Trials: Treatment of VictimsIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Bailey. I thank my right hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) for raising this very important issue. I…15 May 2019HANSARD Rape Trials: Treatment of VictimsI thank the right hon. and learned Lady for her comments. It is an honour to follow her in this role, albeit not immediately. She has done a significant amount of work on this…15 May 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsAs the hon. Lady will know, we are doing a great deal to support women, and men, who have suffered from domestic violence. The Domestic Abuse Bill is currently being looked at.…25 Apr 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsI know that the hon. Lady is passionate about this, and I am pleased she has taken up this very important campaign. The Ministry of Justice is looking very closely at it. I have…25 Apr 2019HANSARDWelfare Benefits: Legal AdviceWhile the professions and those who provide support are incredibly important—that is why, as I mentioned earlier, we have put £23 million more into criminal legal aid…23 Apr 2019HANSARDAccess to Criminal JusticeIt is vital that our criminal justice system remains fair and accessible, and we are taking a number of steps to ensure justice within it. Legal aid is a very important part of…23 Apr 2019HANSARDHousing Cases: Legal AdviceLegal aid is available when someone is at risk of losing their home or seeking to address safety concerns that pose a serious risk of harm to the person or their family. In…23 Apr 2019HANSARDAccess to Criminal JusticeThe hon. Gentleman makes a very important point, because those who work within the criminal justice system play a vital part in upholding justice. That is why, over the course of…23 Apr 2019HANSARDAccess to Criminal JusticeDoing a review and putting in £23 million are specific steps to ensure that we get better justice. I am very grateful to the Law Society, which the hon. Lady and the hon. Member…23 Apr 2019