Topical Questions 2025-06-03
2025-06-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions about the International Court of Justice’s 2024 judgment on Israel and Palestine.
What discussions have the Government had regarding the International Court of Justice’s 2024 judgment on Israel and Palestine?
The hon. Lady will know that that is a matter primarily for the Foreign Secretary. We keep under review all judgments of all courts, domestic and international, and adopt our policy position accordingly. I will ensure that her concerns, if there are any, are raised directly with the Foreign Secretary.
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Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Foreign Secretary
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The discussion on the role and recognition of volunteer magistrates in the justice system.
Will the Lord Chancellor meet me, the Magistrates’ Association, and a group of cross-party MPs to discuss establishing a long-service medal for justices and recruiting new magistrates?
I was pleased to visit Telford justice centre with my hon. Friend, where we met magistrates and leaders of the Magistrates’ Association. I meet the Magistrates’ Association regularly. We have a system of certification acknowledging the vital work that magistrates do, especially long-serving magistrates who serve more than 10, 20 or 30 years. I am happy to continue discussions with my hon. Friend on how we can acknowledge and recognise that brilliant service even more.
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Assessment & feedback
System Of Certification
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Backlog issues in the Crown courts, particularly affecting Aldershot and Farnborough.
What steps is the Minister taking to reduce delays in local justice for constituents?
This Government inherited record and rising backlogs. As my hon. Friend described, the human cost of that is victims waiting longer and longer for their day in court. We have acted swiftly, increasing magistrates’ sentencing powers, but fundamental reform is needed, which is why we asked Sir Brian Leveson to undertake his review. He will be reporting shortly and we will take his package of fundamental reforms forward, to ensure that we have reform of our Crown courts and swifter justice for victims.
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Assessment & feedback
Fundamental Reform
Sir Brian Leveson Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns over the announcement of 'chemical castration' for paedophiles, which turns out to be merely taking pills that may reduce libido. The issue is about ensuring no prisoner is released until medication has proven effective.
The Secretary of State recently announced that paedophiles will be castrated ahead of early release from prison, which turns out to be nothing more than taking some pills that may—I repeat “may”—reduce their libido. Will the Secretary of State confirm here and now that no paedophile prisoner will be released from prison early until it has been proven that the medication has effectively castrated them?
Chemical suppression is a mechanism used by other jurisdictions around the world, and it has been shown to work. The previous Government sat on a pilot for years on end and did nothing. I have said that I will pull every lever at our disposal to deal with sex offending once and for all.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not confirm the exact timeline or criteria for proving chemical suppression effectiveness before early release.
Working On This
Considering
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State recently announced that paedophiles will be castrated ahead of early release from prison, which turns out to be nothing more than taking some pills that may—I repeat “may”—reduce their libido. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness and certainty of such measures.
Chemical suppression is a mechanism used by other jurisdictions around the world, and it has been shown to work. The previous Government sat on a pilot for years on end and did nothing. I have said that I will pull every lever at our disposal to deal with sex offending once and for all. Will the Secretary of State confirm here and now that no paedophile prisoner will be released from prison early until it has been proven that the medication has effectively castrated them?
We are committed to ensuring public safety and taking every necessary step to prevent sex offenders from reoffending. The use of chemical suppression as a mechanism is under review, and we will ensure that any measures taken are effective and based on evidence. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make decisions based on the best available information.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not confirm or deny the specific commitment requested by Shabana Mahmood regarding releasing paedophile prisoners early only after proving effectiveness of chemical suppression.
Under Review
Based On Evidence
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
A man was convicted of a public order offence after burning a Koran outside the Turkish embassy. The judge's ruling suggested that being attacked proved his guilt, which the MP finds concerning.
Yesterday, a man was convicted of a public order offence after burning a Koran outside the Turkish embassy. The judge said that the fact that the man was attacked was proof that he was guilty of disorderly behaviour. This is grotesque, and means that in effect, we have a blasphemy law. Does the Justice Secretary believe that this should hold, or will the Government back my Bill to put an end to all of this madness next week?
We do not have a blasphemy law, and we are not going to have a blasphemy law in this country. As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, I believe that that specific case is going to be subject to an appeal, so it would be inappropriate for me or any other Minister to comment on the details of the matter. However, I am sure that once all other channels are exhausted and we have a final resolution, we will be debating these matters in detail in this House.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided commenting on whether they support abolishing what could be considered a de facto blasphemy law or backing the MP's bill.
Appeal To Judicial Process
Inappropriate For Minister To Comment
Response accuracy