Topical Questions 2024-09-10

2024-09-10

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Olivia Bailey Lab
Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Context
The prison system is at a point of collapse, necessitating immediate action. The government has taken measures to address the situation.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. I welcome the Secretary of State's commitment to building new prisons and driving down reoffending. Does she agree that such transparency is a significant departure from the approach of the previous Government, who released thousands of prisoners early in secret?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that it is a significant departure from the approach of the previous Government, who introduced an early release scheme—the end of custody supervised licence scheme—that operated under a veil of secrecy, with no data ever published on the numbers released. It took our Government to publish the data showing that more than 10,000 offenders were released under that scheme. I am pleased to say today that we have ended that scheme.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Olivia Bailey Lab
Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Context
The government has taken measures to address the prison crisis, including allowing certain offenders to leave prison earlier. The questioner inquires about specific arrangements for these released prisoners.
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for her previous answers on substantive questions about accommodation for prisoners released early. Have the Government contracted any specific hotels for potential use by early release prisoners?
I have authorised probation directors in areas to make appropriate provision, if that proves to be needed—at this point, it is not definite that it will be required—to ensure that there is no gap in provision for offenders being released under the SDS40 scheme.
Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids addressing whether specific hotels have been contracted, focusing on potential future arrangements if needed.
If That Proves To Be Needed At This Point, It Is Not Definite
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Edward Argar Con
Melton and Syston
Context
The government has implemented measures for early release of prisoners, including provisions for their accommodation. The questioner seeks assurance on transparency regarding these arrangements.
Further to the point made by the hon. Member for Reading West and Mid Berkshire (Olivia Bailey), will she be open and transparent with the House, local authorities and the public about how many, at what point and, in broad terms, where they will be located?
Yes, I will.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide any specific commitment or details about the transparency of arrangements.
Yes, I Will.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Edward Argar Con
Melton and Syston
Context
There is concern about the number of domestic abuse cases referred from police to CPS, which has increased but remains below previous levels. The questioner highlights delays in these referrals.
Every 30 seconds, a domestic abuse-related call is made to the police. It is positive to see that the number of domestic abuse cases referred from the police to the CPS has increased, but those numbers are still well below the level seen over the past five years. Will the Secretary of State address the delays in domestic abuse referrals from the police to the CPS and acknowledge the unique risks they pose?
As I have stated, this Government were elected with a landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. To do so, we must improve the justice system's response to these crimes, including domestic abuse. We must relentlessly target the most prolific and harmful perpetrators, better support victims and survivors, and ensure timely and effective justice. We will put domestic abuse experts in 999 control rooms and strengthen the use of protection orders, and we will strengthen the tools available to manage domestic abuse offenders.
Assessment & feedback
The answer does not directly address delays or unique risks but commits to improving responses overall.
We Must Improve The Justice System'S Response To Do So, We Must Target Perpetrators
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Lee Dillon Lib Dem
Newbury
Context
There is concern about potential court backlogs delaying justice for victims of the Grenfell fire. The questioner seeks reassurance regarding swift justice.
Could the Minister give us and the victims reassurance that the criminal justice system will not further delay justice for those victims?
As I said to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr Kohler), we will do everything we can to ensure swift justice for the victims of Grenfell. We plan for the Crown court to sit for at least 105,000 days this financial year, and we will do more to increase the speed with which cases are heard in the Crown court.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Joe Powell Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
Context
The government has implemented an early release scheme which will be reviewed after 18 months. The questioner seeks a firm commitment regarding the continuation or termination of this scheme.
Will she go further and commit to ending it then, and if not, to returning to this House for a fresh vote on it?
I have committed to the review, because that is the appropriate way, and I will not make early promises that might not be kept. I have committed to both transparency and a review. We will publish all the data on a quarterly basis and I will return to the House with the results of the review and the approach that we will take at that point.
Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids committing to ending the scheme but agrees to transparency and review.
I Will Not Make Early Promises
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Bradley Thomas Con
Bromsgrove
Context
Victims of sexual assault may face challenges in accessing support services, especially if they do not report their attack to the police. The questioner seeks improvements and discussions on accessibility.
What can we do to improve the accessibility of support services for those victims of sexual assault who do not report it to the police? Will she meet me to discuss this case further?
The victims code sets out the services and support that victims of crime are entitled to receive from the criminal justice system in England and Wales. That includes the right to access support, which applies regardless of whether they decide to report the crime to the police. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further.
Assessment & feedback
The answer discusses general principles but avoids specific measures for improving accessibility.
That Includes The Right To Access Support
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Jessica Morden Lab
Newport East
Context
There are increasing drug-related deaths in Scotland. The questioner asks for government action to improve treatment of drug addicts in the criminal justice system.
Will the Government discuss how drug addicts are treated in the criminal justice system and look at ways of improving that to tackle the issue, and perhaps move towards safer consumption?
The hon. Member is right that drugs in prison is a big issue that the Government are working hard to tackle. I would be very happy to write to her with further details of what we are doing.
Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges the issue but avoids specific commitments or details.
I Would Be Very Happy To Write
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Jessica Asato Lab
Lowestoft
Context
The government is implementing emergency measures to address prison overcrowding by releasing prisoners early, but not all domestic abuse perpetrators can be excluded from the scheme.
Today marks the release of the first tranche of prisoners under the Government's emergency measures. While some domestic abuse offenders have been excluded, others will still be released. The questioner asks if the Secretary of State will extend the victim contact scheme to all survivors of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, regardless of sentence length.
The Government has excluded certain offences often linked to domestic abuse from early release. The victim contact scheme is available for victims where offenders are sentenced to 12 months or more in custody, and efforts are ongoing to improve communication with victims.
Assessment & feedback
Specifically addressing extension of the victim contact scheme
Acknowledging Current Measures Without Committing To Extending The Scheme
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Steffan Aquarone Lib Dem
North Norfolk
Context
The court backlog stands at nearly 68,000 cases, yet the Government plans to cap the number of sitting days in courts below last year's levels.
With a significant backlog, why are the Government planning to reduce the number of sitting days in our courts?
The Crown court will sit for more than 105,000 days this financial year, an increase of 28% on pre-pandemic levels. The inherited system is under strain due to previous government policies and the current economic situation.
Assessment & feedback
Planned reduction in court sitting days
Pointing To Past Government'S Issues
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Henry Tufnell Lab
Mid and South Pembrokeshire
Context
There are no local solicitors' firms in Pembrokeshire offering pro bono work, making it difficult for constituents to access legal advice.
With no local solicitors providing pro bono services and the nearest free legal advice centre far away, what steps is the Minister taking to address legal deserts in rural areas like Pembrokeshire?
The Government recognises the importance of access to justice and is modernising services. The Minister is willing to meet the hon. Friend to discuss improvements for rural communities.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures addressing legal deserts in Pembrokeshire
Offering To Meet, No Concrete Steps
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Monica Harding Lib Dem
Esher and Walton
Context
A significant proportion of prisoners released early have a history of domestic abuse, raising concerns for victims.
What reassurances can the Secretary of State give to domestic abuse victims who fear the early release of their perpetrators?
Every measure has been taken to exclude relevant offences and allow time for the probation service to prepare. Release plans are being ensured, and victims will be notified as usual.
Assessment & feedback
Specific reassurances about victim safety upon release
Mentioning Measures Taken Without Concrete Assurances
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Ben Goldsborough Lab
South Norfolk
Context
A widow was prosecuted for £3.34 after her car tax expired, highlighting issues with the single justice procedure.
Will the Minister meet to discuss reforming the single justice procedure to ensure better oversight and accountability?
The Minister is keen to keep under review how to support vulnerable defendants and improve oversight of organisations using the single justice procedure. A meeting with the hon. Friend is welcomed.
Assessment & feedback
Concrete reforms in single justice procedure
Offering To Meet, No Specific Commitments
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Siân Berry Green
Brighton Pavilion
Context
47% of women are released from prison without settled accommodation, raising concerns about family break-up and further exploitation.
What steps are being taken to ensure safe and stable accommodation is provided for all women leaving prison?
The Prison and Probation Service is working with partners across regions to provide appropriate accommodation, and a meeting with the hon. Member would be welcomed to discuss further.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for securing stable accommodation
Offering To Meet, No Specific Measures
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
Charities supporting survivors of sexual abuse are dependent on uncertain funding, making it hard to leverage additional funds.
When will the vital funding for rape and abuse support services be announced? Will the Minister meet to discuss this?
The hon. Friend's work in supporting victims is recognised, but it would be premature to pre-empt decisions during the spending review. A meeting is welcomed.
Assessment & feedback
Specific funding announcement timing
Referring To Spending Review
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Manuela Perteghella Lib Dem
Stratford-on-Avon
Context
The question addresses measures to support survivors, including training prosecutors on trauma impact.
Will the Secretary of State ensure that measures are put in place in the criminal justice system to support survivors of violence against women and girls, including mandatory training for prosecutors on understanding the impact of trauma on survivors and the release of court transcripts for free for victims of rape?
The hon. Lady may know that we currently offer free transcripts of judges' sentencing remarks to families of victims of fatal road offences, murder and manslaughter. In May, we extended free transcripts of sentencing remarks to victims of rape and serious sexual offences, in a year-long pilot. We will continue to look at how we can lower the costs of obtaining a court transcript.
Assessment & feedback
Mandatory training for prosecutors on trauma impact
We Will Continue To Look At How We Can Lower The Costs Of Obtaining A Court Transcript
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Harpreet Uppal Lab
Huddersfield
Context
Former clients pursued for adverse legal costs after defective cavity wall insulation installation; Solicitors Regulatory Authority investigating.
Will the Secretary of State review the situation urgently, including establishing a cross-Government working group on the matter?
I am aware from correspondence that I have received, as the Member of Parliament for Swindon South, that there are significant concerns about the collapse of law firms such as SSB Solicitors, Axiom Law and McClure. As my hon. Friend said, the Solicitors Regulation Authority is looking at this, as is the Legal Services Board, and I shall be happy to speak to her further to provide an update.
Assessment & feedback
Establishing a cross-Government working group
I Shall Be Happy To Speak To Her Further To Provide An Update
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
David Davis Con
Goole and Pocklington
Context
Andrew Malkinson's case took 17 years to overturn despite DNA evidence being available from the fourth year; concerns about resources, regulation, management of CCRC.
Has the Minister any intention of addressing the resources, regulation and management of the CCRC to ensure that innocent people are not left incarcerated for many years?
What happened to Mr Malkinson is appalling, both for him and for the victim of the crime. It is vital that lessons are learned. As the right hon. Gentleman will know, following the publication of the Henley review of the CCRC's handling of Mr Malkinson's case, the Lord Chancellor's view is that the current chair is unfit to fulfil her duties. As for resources, the amount that the CCRC has received in recent years has risen, and we will continue to keep that under review.
Assessment & feedback
Addressing regulation and management of the CCRC
We Will Continue To Keep That Under Review
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Will Stone Lab
Swindon North
Context
Basic maintenance problems with buildings contribute to backlogs; Swindon court closed due to fire.
What investment is being made in courts in places such as Swindon to ensure that justice can be delivered swiftly?
I am very pleased to be responding to a fellow Swindon Member, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving me the chance to mention our home town during my first ministerial outing. I should add that I am also grateful to local judiciary court staff and justice stakeholders for their work in maintaining justice during that incident in Swindon. As the Lord Chancellor said earlier, ensuring that buildings are maintained effectively is critical to the delivery of justice.
Assessment & feedback
Specific investment details
As The Lord Chancellor Said Earlier, Ensuring That Buildings Are Maintained Effectively Is Critical To The Delivery Of Justice
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Alicia Kearns Con
Rutland and Stamford
Context
Probation Service lacks enough tags; constituent's abusive husband released without tagging, entered restricted village.
Will the Secretary of State please respond to my letter about my constituent, who feels extremely vulnerable? Will she also confirm that there are enough tags and that in cases such as this there will be not just a verbal warning but remedial repercussions?
I am not aware of the correspondence to which the hon. Lady has referred, but I will chase it up and ensure that she receives a comprehensive response.
Assessment & feedback
Comprehensive enforcement measures for tagging violations
I Will Chase It Up And Ensure That She Receives A Comprehensive Response
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Andrew Slaughter Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Context
Substantial backlogs, lack of family representation, erratic use of prevention reports.
Will the Secretary of State consider reforms to deal with these problems? If she needs ideas, there is a very good report from the Justice Committee.
I concur: there is an excellent report from the Committee, to which the Government will respond in due course. I am well aware of some of the issues with the coroners and reporting deaths for bereaved families and I should be delighted to discuss them further with my hon. Friend.
Assessment & feedback
Concrete reforms or deadlines
I Should Be Delighted To Discuss Them Further With My Hon. Friend
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Helen Whately Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Context
Catapult use increasing to injure or kill livestock and pets.
Will the Minister responsible for such matters agree to meet me to discuss how we can deter these people and stop their use of catapults to kill?
I suspect that that may be a matter for my colleagues in the Home Office, but I will happily liaise with the relevant Minister and ensure that the hon. Lady receives a response.
Assessment & feedback
Meeting to discuss deterrent measures against catapult misuse
I Suspect That That May Be A Matter For My Colleagues In The Home Office
Response accuracy