Contributions
428 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTopical QuestionsWhat I said was that the issue was complex, and that I would be happy to sit down with the hon. Member for Edmonton to go through the exact details and the exact concerns, rather…10 Jan 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsMy hon. Friend is right—he has raised this matter before—and I shall be happy to sit down with him and find out what the logjam is so that we can move this forward for him.10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Criminal Court CasesI am very happy that the hon. Gentleman and I are meeting later today, when we can have a more detailed conversation, but the Bellamy report, which he alluded to, has been…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Criminal Court CasesMy hon. Friend raises an incredibly important point, and I share his concern about ensuring that all elements of the criminal justice system, whether solicitors or barristers, are…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Criminal Court CasesFirst, I do not accept the characterisation of the common platform system. The hon. Lady forgets to mention the number of legacy systems that were on the verge of collapse, and…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Criminal Court CasesThe outstanding case load in the Crown court in Newcastle upon Tyne was 1,598 at the end of June 2022. In Birmingham, the outstanding case load in the Crown court was 1,748 and in…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesI have spoken to staff, who said that yes, there are teething problems—that has been admitted—but they are fully committed. They understand that the common platform is a good…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesI have seen the plan and I have sat down with the Law Society. The Lord Chancellor and I continue to have fruitful discussions to address the particular issues that the Law…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesIt is my understanding that this issue is subject to the oversight of the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice. I understand that it is very firmly on their radar and that…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesThe hon. Lady raises an important point. There are a variety of reasons why cases can be delayed. It is not just about the availability of the judiciary; sometimes it is the…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesI thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments. Reform of all parts of the justice system is a priority, but within the spending envelope that we are operating in, we have to spend…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesMy hon. Friend raises a very important point. While I cannot talk about a specific case, the allocation and listing of cases is a judicial responsibility, and I can reassure him…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesThe issue of family courts is particularly pressing because of the impact on families and children. That is why we are investing a significant amount of funding by increasing the…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesIn the Crown court, the outstanding caseload has reduced from 60,400 in June 2021 to about 57,300 cases at the end of March 2022. However, the caseload has increased again,…10 Jan 2023HANSARDBacklog of Court CasesI can reassure the hon. Gentleman that the common platform is not a disaster. In fact, I have taken a specific interest in ensuring the roll-out is appropriate and that users are…10 Jan 2023HANSARD Powers of Attorney BillI thank my hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock (Stephen Metcalfe) for promoting this vital Bill. I look forward to supporting him as the Bill completes its…09 Dec 2022HANSARDCriminal Legal Aid Independent Review Consultation: Government ResponseToday I am publishing the Government’s full response to the criminal legal aid independent review (CLAIR). First, I would like to thank Lord Bellamy KC for his independent review…30 Nov 2022HANSARDDomestic Homicide Sentencing ReviewMy hon. Friend makes a strong point. Clearly, it is not always possible to know exactly what those who have no voice because they are no longer with us have said or consented to…30 Nov 2022HANSARDDomestic Homicide Sentencing ReviewIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Bone. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Redditch (Rachel Maclean) for securing the debate; I know how much time and…30 Nov 2022HANSARDDevolution of Justice: WalesMy hon. Friend makes a good point. Only half a picture is no picture at all. There must be transparency both ways. The UK Government remain firmly opposed to devolution of justice…29 Nov 2022