Topical Questions 2024-11-05

2024-11-05

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Richard Holden Con
Basildon and Billericay
Context
The question arises after the launch of an independent review of sentencing by the Ministry of Justice.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities following the launch of an independent review of sentencing and the introduction of additional funding for the Ministry of Justice.
I think Members from all parties need a reminder about the form in this House for oral questions, Mr Speaker. Since the last Justice questions, I have launched an independent review of sentencing which will ensure space for dangerous offenders in prisons and expand use of punishment outside prisons to prevent early prisoner release. The Government have also introduced their first Budget with £850 million additional funding for the Ministry of Justice.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Richard Holden Con
Basildon and Billericay
Context
A constituent has been dealing with court matters regarding divorce and periodical payments since 2015, facing errors and incompetence in the system.
One of my constituents has faced significant delays and issues in their divorce proceedings since 2015. Despite positive results at hearings, there have always been errors. Will the Minister meet me to discuss these matters so I can get a final resolution for my constituent after nearly a decade?
I am shocked to hear about the extent of the delay in the case of the right hon. Gentleman's constituent and welcome him to write to me with specific details so I can ensure he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jack Abbott Lab Co-op
Ipswich
Context
Over 1,000 cases at Ipswich Crown Court are outstanding, with an average delay of 249 days and 144 unresolved for two years or more.
Earlier this year, it was reported that over 1,000 cases at Ipswich Crown court are outstanding, taking an average of 249 days to be dealt with, with 144 cases unresolved for two years or more. What can the Minister do to reassure my constituents about clearing the backlog left by the previous Government?
The Government are committed to reducing Crown court caseloads. To relieve pressure at Ipswich, cases are being sent to Cambridge and nationally, sitting days have increased to 106,500 from what was agreed by the previous Lord Chancellor.
Assessment & feedback
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Q4 Partial Answer
Robert Jenrick Reform
Newark
Context
Sergeant Blake, a police firearms officer, was charged and found himself in an unfortunate situation.
Police firearms officer Sergeant Blake was a hero. What work is the Lord Chancellor doing with the Home Secretary to review the threshold for prosecution for individuals like Sergeant Blake who put themselves at risk?
The independent Crown Prosecution Service makes charging decisions. The Home Secretary and I have introduced a presumption of anonymity for all firearms officers if they find themselves being charged by the CPS. We believe this measure could have made a difference in Sergeant Blake's case.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Robert Jenrick Reform
Newark
Context
Jonathan Hall KC has commented on the need for authorities to put as much information as possible in the public domain to maintain trust.
The reviewer of terrorist laws, Jonathan Hall KC, has said that the authorities should put as much information as they can in the public domain to maintain public trust. Can the Secretary of State explain the reported two-week delay between the CPS making a charging decision and it being announced publicly?
We do not comment on cases that are sub judice. Charging decisions are independent for the Crown Prosecution Service, which ultimately decides what charges to bring. Investigations and charging decisions should be done independently without Government interference.
Assessment & feedback
We Do Not Comment On Cases That Are Sub Judice.
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Gareth Snell Lab Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Context
Savana, a local charity in Stoke-on-Trent, relies on rape and sexual abuse funding from the police and crime commissioner to support survivors of rape and sexual assault.
In Stoke-on-Trent, survivors of rape and sexual assault are supported by Savana which is dependent on funding for its counselling service. Will the Minister confirm when it will receive its settlement figures and give an indication if those figures will be similar to last year's allocations?
The Government are providing £41 million of ringfenced funding for ISVAs and IDVAs this financial year. Settlement figures by the police and crime commissioner will be confirmed by the beginning of December, and I would love to visit Savana in Stoke-on-Trent.
Assessment & feedback
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Q7 Partial Answer
Josh Babarinde Lib Dem
Eastbourne
Context
Approximately 80,000 disabled young people are unable to benefit from their child trust funds due to a complex legal process.
An estimated 80,000 disabled young people are unable to access their child trust fund savings. Will the Minister commit to simplifying this process to ensure these young people get the cash they deserve?
The Government recognise difficulties parents and guardians face in accessing child trust fund savings for young people who lack mental capacity. The issue was recently discussed with a colleague, and the Government will consider what can be done to simplify this process while safeguarding those who lack capacity.
Assessment & feedback
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Q8 Partial Answer
James Naish Lab
Rushcliffe
Context
Several constituents are concerned about sentences handed down to climate protesters. They view these sentences as too long given the pressure on prison systems.
My constituents have contacted me regarding sentences for climate protesters, finding them excessively long due to overcrowded prisons. Will my hon. Friend confirm if there are plans to reassess sentencing for such offences in light of overcrowded prisons?
The right to protest is an important part of our democracy, but it has to be exercised within the law. Sentencing in individual cases is, of course, a matter for independent courts.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plans to reassess sentencing based on overcrowded prisons
Sentencing Is A Matter For Independent Courts
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Gregory Campbell DUP
East Londonderry
Context
There have been four reported sexual assaults or attempted sexual assaults in the past week alone, and on average 140 women are killed every year over a period of 15 years. This is an issue that cannot be ignored.
In the past week, there have been four reported sexual assaults against women in Londonderry. I know justice is devolved but can we ensure unity and focus to tackle violence against women and girls across the country?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his very important question. He is right: all parts of this country—all our nations—are experiencing an epidemic of violence against women and girls. We have already spoken about the 16 days of action, which will highlight what we can all do to stand against this abhorrent crime. I am working with my counterparts across all the devolved nations on how we tackle violence against women and girls. I will bring forward more information in due course.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or commitments from counterparts in devolved regions
16 Days Of Action Working With Counterparts
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Andrew Cooper Lab
Mid Cheshire
Context
Victims of domestic violence are being forced to wait years for their cases to be heard in court. A constituent has been waiting for years, feeling trapped and scared.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Victims of domestic violence have been waiting years for their cases to be heard in court. Can the Minister take steps to expedite these cases?
The Government inherited a record and rising court backlog which has seen far too many victims and survivors waiting too long for justice. Decisions on case listing are a matter for the independent judiciary, who, when possible, look to prioritise cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses. We are committed to bearing down on the caseload to speed up the delivery of justice for all victims.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to expedite domestic violence cases
Independent Judiciary Prioritization Commitment To Reducing Backlog
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Wendy Morton Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Context
Representatives of RoadPeace West Midlands have been advocating for the “Remain and Report” campaign. The world day of remembrance for road traffic victims is on Sunday, 17 November.
Will the Justice Secretary commit to personally look at the “Remain and Report” campaign?
I have been lobbied by the same group in the west midlands. I will certainly look at the representations that have been made.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to bringing forward a promised consultation
Look At Representations
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
James Frith Lab
Bury North
Context
Thomas White was sentenced to three years for theft and received an IPP sentence. He remains in a category A prison, his mental health is worsening, and he recently attempted suicide.
Will the Secretary of State meet me and Thomas White's sister, Clara White, to discuss his case?
I am very sorry to hear about the circumstances facing my hon. Friend's constituent's sibling in prison. We are determined to make more progress with IPP prisoners, but never in a way that compromises public protection. If my hon. Friend writes to the Department with the specifics of the case, I will ensure that he receives a response.
Assessment & feedback
Meeting request
Responding Via Writing
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Peter Bedford Con
Mid Leicestershire
Context
A tweet resulted in a 31-month sentence, whereas an individual who incited physical violence received a lesser sentence. This raises concerns about the perception of a two-tier justice system.
Does the Secretary of State agree that inconsistencies create a perception of a two-tier justice system?
It is incumbent on Members to ensure that such a perception does not take hold and not to inappropriately compare sentences handed out in different types of cases. As the hon. Gentleman well knows and every Member of this House should know, sentences in individual cases are a matter for the independent judges who hear those cases; the trials unfold in front of them.
Assessment & feedback
Agreement on perception of two-tier justice system
Sentencing Is A Matter For Independent Judges
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Jayne Kirkham Lab Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Context
Truro Crown Court has faced a temporary cut to its sitting days. Delayed rape and sexual offences cases have caused concern.
Can measures be considered to assist with delayed rape and sexual offences cases at Truro Crown Court?
As my hon. Friend will know, we are doing everything we can to bear down on the Crown court caseload, including extending magistrates' sentencing powers. The Budget also confirmed 106,500 sitting days for this year.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to assist delayed rape and sexual offences cases
Extending Magistrates' Sentencing Powers
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Context
The Justice Committee has urged the courts to consider AI-powered transcription to reduce costs. The cost is estimated at £2.2 million.
Will the Minister commit to carrying out the recommendations of the Justice Committee before the end of this parliamentary Session?
I understand why the hon. Lady raises that issue, but transcripts must be 100% accurate. They are legal documents, so “good enough” simply does not cut it. I will review what technology is available, and I am happy to keep her updated.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to carrying out recommendations
Reviewing Technology Availability
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Ben Goldsborough Lab
South Norfolk
Context
A May 2022 report revealed only nine of 32 inspected prison education institutions were rated 'good' or 'outstanding', with less than 40% of prisoners taking courses up to GCSE level. This raises concerns about prisoner rehabilitation.
Only nine out of thirty-two prison education institutions were judged 'good' or 'outstanding'. Less than 40% of prisoners take courses up to GCSE level. Does the hon. Friend agree we must improve prison education for better rehabilitation?
My hon. Friend is right: the quality of prison education must continually improve if we are to achieve the best possible rehabilitation outcomes.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or commitments to improve prison education were not provided
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
John Hayes Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Context
Foreign national offenders often resist deportation through appeals to domestic courts or European judges, supported by interest groups and lawyers.
Will the Secretary of State make available—perhaps through a note in the Library—the number and type of foreign national offenders who are resisting deportation via appeals?
I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that all the data that was published under the previous Government will continue to be published by ours.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or new commitments for publishing such data were not provided
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Noah Law Lab
St Austell and Newquay
Context
A constituent who is a domestic abuse survivor but whose income exceeds the threshold cannot access legal aid. Legal aid is restricted to those on the lowest incomes.
Despite being above the threshold, a domestic abuse survivor cannot access legal aid due to her income. Will the Minister consider widening legal aid eligibility to all victims of domestic violence?
Some cases are eligible for legal aid under exceptional case funding. If my hon. Friend writes to me with the details of the case, I will come back to him with any advice that I can offer.
Assessment & feedback
Specific action or policy commitment to widen eligibility was not provided
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Alison Bennett Lib Dem
Mid Sussex
Context
Family courts are often used to re-traumatise victims of domestic abuse through financial abuse and coercive control. A constituent's ex-partner is using family courts for abusive behaviour.
What can be done to prevent the legal system from being used as a vehicle for extending domestic abuse by former partners?
Sadly, family courts are often used to re-traumatise victims of domestic abuse. The Government are alive to that fact, and we are rolling out our pathfinder pilot for a child-centred approach.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or timeline for addressing the issue were not provided
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Mark Sewards Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Context
Conservative Members are attacking Labour for clearing up the mess in the criminal justice system. The questioner wants to know if Ministers will commit to increasing prison capacity.
Will the Government commit to increasing capacity in our prison system to deal with the crisis that the Conservatives ran away from?
We will spend more this year on building the prison places that the last Government failed to deliver, and we have launched our landmark sentencing review.
Assessment & feedback
Specific increase in capacity or timeline was not provided
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
James Wild Con
North West Norfolk
Context
HMP Garth is facing an issue where drones are illegally flying drugs into the prison. This raises concerns about security and control.
What urgent action is the Lord Chancellor taking to end the unacceptable situation of drone-based drug trafficking at HMP Garth?
Drugs getting into prison is a huge issue, and I am very aware of the issues at Garth. The Minister with responsibility for prisons will meet the governors to think about how to deal with those problems in the medium and long term.
Assessment & feedback
Specific urgent actions were not provided
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Andrew Slaughter Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Context
The Budget included good news for the Ministry of Justice but did not mention legal aid funding. The criminal legal aid advisory board recommendations and civil legal aid review need to be published.
When will the 'Crime Lower' consultation response, CLAAB report, and documents on civil legal aid review be published? When can we expect reversals in legal aid cuts made since 2010?
We will publish our response to the 'Crime Lower' consultation within weeks, anticipate publishing the CLAAB report at that stage, and some documents on civil legal aid before year-end.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or reversals in funding were not provided
Response accuracy