Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Magistrates (Retirement Age)

07 July 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Edward Timpson Con Crewe and Nantwich

Justice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Edward Timpson raised concerns about magistrates (retirement age) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mr Timpson argued the current retirement age of 70 for magistrates is outdated due to increasing life expectancy and the need for experienced justices.
  • The number of magistrates has decreased from about 30,000 to less than 13,000 over the last decade.
  • A backlog of nearly half a million cases in magistrates courts has been highlighted as an issue.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Edward Timpson Con Crewe and Nantwich

Mr Timpson argued that the current retirement age of 70 for magistrates is outdated, given increasing life expectancy and the ongoing need for experienced justices. He highlighted the dramatic decrease in the number of magistrates from about 30,000 to less than 13,000 over the last decade, exacerbating a backlog of nearly half a million cases in magistrates courts. He emphasised that retaining older judges who are often more committed and experienced would help address this issue.

Other contributors (1)
  • Edward Timpson Con Crewe and Nantwich

    Mr Timpson argued that the current retirement age of 70 for magistrates is outdated, given increasing life expectancy and the ongoing need for experienced justices. He highlighted the dramatic decrease in the number of magistrates from about 30,000 to less than 13,000 over the last decade, exacerbating a backlog of nearly half a million cases in magistrates courts. He emphasised that retaining older judges who are often more committed and experienced would help address this issue.

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