The Secretary of State was asked—

Stresses commitment to access to justice, highlighting £91 million spent on early legal advice in the previous year and the introduction of a legal support innovation fund. Defends the government's approach as focused on targeted assistance for those most in need.

Criticises the government's failure to address concerns raised by the UN special rapporteur regarding cuts to legal aid, which disproportionately affect the poor and disabled. Calls for restoration of all legal aid-funded early advice.

Asks about measures to prevent public funds being spent on legal aid for defending terrorist suspects accused of heinous crimes.

Raises concerns over the use of electrical equipment in prisons by inmates who abuse psychoactive substances, leading to tragic incidents such as the death of Luke Morris Jones. Suggests removing such items from cells for safety.

Seeks assurances that legal aid is reaching those most in need across the UK, emphasising its importance for accessing justice.

Questions the Minister's plans to reverse cuts made under LASPO, which have been detrimental to access to justice in the country.

Discusses the need for expanding criminal appeals procedures, particularly regarding unduly lenient sentences for various offences like burglary and rape when dealt with in youth courts.

Inquires about the number of Criminal Cases Review Commission recommendations progressing to appeal and their subsequent outcomes, expressing concern over potential miscarriages of justice being overlooked.

Raises the specific case of Ellie Gould's murder by Thomas Griffiths, questioning whether the high hurdle for referral to the Attorney General is fair when cases involve young offenders and severe crimes.

The Lord Chancellor will meet my hon. Friend next week to discuss a case regarding the referral of cases to the Court of Appeal.

Asked for plans by the Department to improve training for prison staff working with perinatal women in custodial settings.

Welcomed Carolyn Harris's interest in this area, mentioning a two-day programme that prison officers can attend and an ongoing review of pregnant women in custody. Agreed to meet Birth Companions to discuss mandatory standards for perinatal care.

Questioned whether scrapping sentences for women apart from the most serious offences would create double standards in the justice system.

Responded that treatment of women in prison and their sentences may differ from men, but crimes must be punished appropriately.

Asked if it should be mandatory for prison officers to undergo training when working with pregnant women and asked for figures on who has already accessed the training.

At least one prison officer in each establishment has undertaken the training, more than that have done it, and she would provide further figures later.

Asked about steps being taken to support victims of domestic abuse involving county lines drug gangs.

Also asked about steps the Department is taking to support victims of domestic abuse.

Committed to ending domestic abuse, introduced a landmark Domestic Abuse Bill and provided funding for young people’s advocates in London, Manchester, and the west midlands. She also highlighted work with police and Crown Prosecution Service under the Modern Slavery Act.

Highlighted the risk of girls and women being abused and exploited by county lines gangs.

Asked about ensuring frontline workers are prepared to assist victims as new legislation comes in.

Acknowledged the need for frontline support and started implementation planning for the Domestic Abuse Bill with those affected by its provisions.

Asked about implementing an independent review of the family courts’ treatment of domestic abuse survivors.

Agreed to meet Louise Haigh to discuss how the review can be taken forward and improve the response to vulnerable victims and witnesses in family justice matters.

Inquired about work being done with rugby unions across the UK to address an increase in domestic abuse cases during major sporting events.

Acknowledged the importance of addressing domestic abuse during sporting events and mentioned bringing forward the Domestic Abuse Bill.

Asked if there are plans to review sentencing policy for prolific offenders, including extending sentences for child cruelty as per Tony’s law.

Inquired about the average rate of reoffending in Derbyshire and plans to bring it down further.

Welcomed speakers, mentioned an ongoing review of sentencing laws for prolific offenders including more robust community penalties. He also expressed willingness to discuss extending sentences for child cruelty as per Tony’s law.

Raised concerns about the ineffectiveness of short prison sentences, highlighting issues such as homelessness among women prisoners and high reoffending rates. He emphasised that investing in alternatives to prison could reduce crime.

Defended the current approach to sentencing, stating it includes being both tough on crime and smart on crime by ensuring sentencing options are comprehensive and include community orders for less serious crimes. He also pledged to review death-by-dangerous-driving cases involving drugs and commit to legislative action soon.

Called on the Government to meet her to discuss closing a loophole that allows sexual offenders to groom 16-17 year-olds, citing support from various organisations including the Church of England and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Asked about plans to decriminalise non-payment of TV licence fees and whether an assessment has been made on its impact on court cases, welcoming his new role in the House.

Inquired about the effect of staffing trends at courts on access to justice, noting delays caused by reductions in administrative staff levels.

Critiqued court closures and budget cuts as creating significant delays for serious cases in the Crown Court, citing government statistics showing a 30% increase in case duration since 2010.

Asked about discussions on criteria for determining the composition of the Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission.

Asked about discussions on the appointment of a Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission.

Asked about discussions on the appointment of a Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission.

Asked about the accountability of constitutional processes and safeguards, including consultation with external professions like the legal profession for substantial input.

Inquired about the Justice Secretary's stance on changes to judicial appointments after the Prorogation case and their consideration by the commission.

Asked if courts retain jurisdiction over prerogative powers, referencing the Prime Minister’s Prorogation of Parliament as an example.

Expressed concerns about changes proposed by the Government regarding human rights and judicial appointments. Emphasised the need for Scotland's perspective to be independently represented in the commission.

Welcomed the Lord Chancellor’s statement on the independence of the judiciary and suggested including experienced former members of the judiciary on the commission.

Inquired about plans to reduce disparity between reported rapes and suspects charged, pressing for proper resourcing of the criminal justice system.

Asked about the proportion of court proceedings covered by court reporters, highlighting the importance of trained journalists reporting on judicial processes to ensure transparency and public trust.

Inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding reforming the UK’s human rights framework and updating the Human Rights Act 1998.

Asked about discussions on updating the Human Rights Act, specifically addressing concerns over potential violations of the Sewel Convention.

Minister emphasised the constructive approach towards working with fellow Parliament and parliamentarians, stressing the importance of unity over independence referendums. He also highlighted the bravery and professionalism of prison officers in resolving incidents quickly and praised the use of new tools such as PAVA to protect staff from violence.

Asked for an update on the ambitious reform programme by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service, praising the improvements in access to justice and efficiency through online services.

Expressed concern about understaffing in the probation service, which is putting public safety at risk due to overworking staff and inadequate case management. He urged the Government to return staffing levels to safe levels.

Acknowledged the report on probation service issues and highlighted plans for recruiting more probation officers while transitioning towards a unified probation system in Wales. She also mentioned positive leadership within the service.

Celebrated Finn’s law receiving Royal Assent and enquired about the timeline for the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which seeks to increase sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years.

Asked why it is taking so long to refund employment tribunal fees despite the Supreme Court declaring them unlawful two and a half years ago, seeking clarity on the process delay.

Acknowledged that the unification of offender supervision services in Wales under the national probation service is positive for victims and public safety. He welcomed the successful transition in Wales.

Called for a moratorium on private prisons until an independent review determines their impact, arguing that handing contracts to private firms could be dangerous due to the potential increase in violence within such facilities.

Asked about progress being made to ensure prison governors fulfill their statutory duty under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to provide accommodation for those leaving prison. He highlighted the importance of securing housing for ex-offenders.

Expressed concern over the future of law centres such as Vauxhall Law Centre in Liverpool, which defend working-class people's access to justice. He asked what urgent action is being taken to guarantee their funding.

Acknowledged the valuable work of law centres in local communities and assured support through grant funding and legal aid contracts. She highlighted visits made to understand the work done by these centres.

Asked about the increase in employment of ex-offenders within Government and public sector since the 'ban the box' policy was implemented, praising Halfords, Greggs, and Timpson for employing ex-offenders. He wanted to know if there has been an increase in employment opportunities.

Questioned the Prime Minister's decision to increase stop and searches despite previous declines under his Mayorship of London, suggesting that a public health approach focusing on prevention is better for tackling knife crime.

Agreed that stop and search is a vital part of the fight against knife crime, citing statistics showing a reduction in convictions and an increase in offences when its use was reduced. Emphasised the fair and effective use of stop and search as one of the most powerful tools for police, noting improvements due to body-worn cameras.

Asked whether Ministers agree that burglary has devastating effects on those affected and inquired about increasing sentences available for such offences.

Acknowledged the significant impact of burglary on victims' wellbeing, noting an increase in average sentences from 21 months to 28 months over time. Offered to further discuss this matter with the questioner.

Called for a meeting before any decision is made on the sale of Reading jail, which is an important historical site and currently up for sale by the Ministry of Justice. Requested to meet with the Secretary of State or prisons Minister along with local campaigners and representatives.

Acknowledged previous discussions on the matter with the questioner and his neighbour, confirming bids are already in place but commercially sensitive. Offered to meet if appropriate for discussing further details.