Contributions
747 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I thank the hon. Member for Chichester for the points she raised. In many respects, they are well made, and they consider people’s choice architecture—for want of a better…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)There is only one Old Bailey, and as a result of clause 20, there will only ever be one Old Bailey. I invite all members of the Committee to join together on a group tour of the…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)Clause 11 will ensure that if a defendant has a previous conviction for domestic abuse—of any type and against any victim—it can be taken into account as evidence of bad character…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I thank all hon. Members for their contributions. I will set out the rationale for clause 17 and then address the central argument presented by Opposition Members about the repeal…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I seek to assist the Committee, as I do not want us to get this wrong. The purpose of the definition is to exclude non-professional supporters or those who do not habitually…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)The clause makes it clear in legislation that special measures are available when a victim chooses to read their victim impact statement aloud at sentencing. This is a moment of…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I am very happy to provide that information, to the extent that we hold it. Question put and agreed to. Clause 15 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 16…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I think that, for once, consensus reigns.23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)Clause 13 introduces an important new special measure, which will make a real and tangible difference to vulnerable or intimidated witnesses who come before our courts. It enables…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. Obviously, we have appeal systems and, in some family proceedings, the nature of them can be iterative; as family circumstances and the…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)The hon. Gentleman is making a fair point. I have no doubt that, not just in the context of this clause—where we are talking about family law—but more generally in other…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I understand the point. In the circumstances, I would prefer to take officials’ advice and check that the legislation is doing what it intends to—providing a consistent practice…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)That reflects the clause as drafted and the intention behind it, from speaking to our judicial leadership. In my experience, I have certainly found our judicial and tribunal…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)That is true. We should be doing what is set out in this good clause and I have nothing more to add. Question put and agreed to. Clause 19 accordingly ordered to stand part of the…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)This clause represents an important and balanced step forward in strengthening the support available to intimidated complainants in our justice system. It will make it easier for…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I will begin by addressing clause 18 and schedule 3 together before moving to Government amendments 72 to 96. Clause 18 makes significant reforms to the leadership of tribunals, a…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I could not agree more. That is precisely why we are doing this, and it is why I commend the clause to the Committee.23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I am grateful for those questions and comments, because, through clause 14, we are seeking to strike a balance. At the moment, in the instance that I gave an example of, the…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I am more than happy to accede to that. This has been useful, and I am very happy to provide that clarity. Question put and agreed to. Clause 13 accordingly ordered to stand part…23 Apr 2026HANSARDCourts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)I think all of that is right, but I would prefer to take the matter back to the Department and check that we have a common understanding. I do not want to do this on the hoof if I…23 Apr 2026