Topical Questions 2022-11-22

2022-11-22

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
Dominic Raab has recently taken on his departmental responsibilities.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Since the last Justice questions, what progress has been made?
Since my last Justice questions, we have begun construction of Britain's first all-electric prison at Full Sutton and made apprenticeships available to prisoners for the first time. We are preparing to bring the Bill of Rights Bill back to this House for its Second Reading, so that we can strengthen free speech, deport more foreign national offenders and restore some common sense to our justice system.
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Q2 Direct Answer
Context
Gloucestershire's police and crime commissioner, Chris Nelson, is promoting a scheme to involve prisoners in the construction of eco-pods.
To help the rehabilitation of offenders and to reduce reoffending, will my right hon. Friend support the scheme being promoted by Gloucestershire's police and crime commissioner, Chris Nelson, to involve prisoners in the construction of eco-pods, providing much-needed environmentally friendly accommodation as well as valuable construction skills and work experience for prisoners?
It is a cracking scheme that tackles two of the key issues we need to tackle: homelessness on release, and getting offenders into work. Following the successful proof of concept at HMP Leyhill, the scheme is now operational at HMP The Mount, and we plan to expand the activity to more prisons across the estate. It is good for offenders to grasp a second chance to turn their lives around, but critical to reducing reoffending and keeping our streets safe.
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Q3 Partial Answer
Steve Reed Lab Co-op
Streatham and Croydon North
Context
The number of rape prosecutions has halved since the action plan on rape was launched in 2015.
I welcome the Secretary of State back to his place on the Treasury Bench. This Friday is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, but too often the news headlines are dominated by horrific crimes against women such as Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa, and now Zara Aleena. How far have rape prosecutions fallen since the action plan on rape was launched in 2015?
Because of the backlog and some of the challenges we have faced, there have been difficulties. I have set out before the House some of the initiatives, from Operation Soteria to the national roll-out of section 28 pre-recorded evidence. As I mentioned earlier, over the last year, convictions have increased by two thirds, and the trajectories of police referral, CPS charge and Crown court receipt level have all seen a substantial improvement, but we are restless to go even further.
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific details on how far rape prosecutions have fallen since 2015.
Difficulties Challenges
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Steve Reed Lab Co-op
Streatham and Croydon North
Context
The number of prosecutions has halved since the action plan on rape was launched in 2015.
Let me remind the right hon. Gentleman that the number of prosecutions has halved in that time, and today barely one in 100 reported rapes ever makes it to trial. As we just heard, he keeps trying, but there really can be no excuse for a failure to prosecute rapists. Will he take the opportunity of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to apologise to rape survivors for his Government's decision to sack 22,000 police officers, close 160 courts and slash the number of judges, when they should have been focused on caging these dangerous criminals?
The hon. Gentleman and I get on very constructively, but I have to tell him that we are not going to take lectures on standing up for victims from a party whose Members voted in this House against the recruitment of police and against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which increased sentences, and a party that provided a quarter of the funding for victims that we have provided.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about apologising to rape survivors, but the answer discussed voting records and funding instead.
Take Lectures Voted Against
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Context
There are long waiting lists for the Crown court in Essex.
There are long waiting lists for the Crown court in Essex, and I am told that that is in part due to a shortage of judges. What progress is being made to shorten the waiting lists and appoint judges in Essex?
We are working hard to ensure that we recruit over 1,000 new judges. We are allowing 80 circuit judges and 125 fee-paid recorders to sit for more days to ensure we increase capacity. We are boosting circuit judge recruitment, with about 90 new appointments, who will sit in London and the south-east, including Essex, to address the issues my right hon. Friend raised.
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Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The miners strike of 1984-85 was a significant period in coalfield communities.
The miners strike of 1984-85 was hugely traumatic in my Midlothian constituency and other coalfield communities. Although the future is bright, many people still need closure. Will the Secretary of State follow the Scottish Government's lead and pardon convictions from that period, and launch the UK-wide inquiry necessary to finally close this episode?
I understand the passion with which the hon. Gentleman spoke. We do not have current plans to do so, but if he wants to write to me on that issue I will, of course, look at it and reflect.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about pardons, but the answer did not commit to any action beyond considering a written request.
Current Plans Write To Me
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Context
Too many prisoners have very poor literacy skills, which impacts their ability to access education.
There are direct links between education and reducing reoffending. Education is a factor in promoting reintegration and rehabilitation. While there is rightly a focus in prison on education for employment, too many prisoners have very poor literacy skills, which impacts their ability to access education. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to improve literacy in the prison population?
My hon. Friend is dead right: literacy is fundamental, including, of course, to access those other parts of education. I welcome the work of organisations such as the Shannon Trust and I welcome the recent Ofsted report. We are sharpening our focus, creating a literacy innovation fund.
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Q8 Partial Answer
Gareth Thomas Lab Co-op
Harrow West
Context
An inquest into the death of a constituent's brother found significant and multiple failings at Belmarsh.
Two weeks ago, an inquest into the death of my constituent's brother, Liridon Saliuka, found that significant and multiple failings at Belmarsh had contributed to his death while on remand there. I recognise that Ministers will not immediately know the details of what happened, but I believe my constituent is entitled to understand how her brother could have been so comprehensively let down. Will the Secretary of State find out what went wrong and, in the first instance, write to me?
These kinds of cases are harrowing for the family. If the hon. Gentleman writes to me with further details, I will be very happy to look at them and report back to him.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about finding out what went wrong, but the answer suggested writing first for more details.
Write To Me Further Details
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
Proposals to expand a prison in Ulnes Walton, Chorley have faced significant local opposition due to inadequate infrastructure and public transport.
I have raised concerns with various Ministers about the plans for a third prison in Ulnes Walton. The local council and residents are strongly against it. Can you commit today to withdrawing the planning inspector appeal and reconsidering these proposals?
The estate expansion programme is important and fulfils a manifesto commitment. However, I acknowledge that my hon. Friend's concerns are valid. Given an ongoing planning appeal, it is not appropriate for me to comment further.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to withdraw the planning inspector appeal
Ongoing Planning Appeal
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Mary Glindon Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Context
Justice Committee's report recommends a re-sentencing exercise for prisoners serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences.
Imprisonment for public protection sentences are criticized. The Justice Committee's report offers recommendations to address this issue. Will the Minister act on its key recommendation of a mass re-sentencing exercise?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her passionate question. My noble Friend Lord Bellamy and I are considering the Justice Committee's report carefully, and we will respond appropriately.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to act on the Justice Committee's key recommendation
Carefully Considering
Response accuracy
Q11 Direct Answer
Context
The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act will come into force in February. Cross-departmental work is required to ensure that relevant departments are prepared.
My Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 comes into effect next month. Will the Minister confirm that cross-departmental work with relevant Departments has been taking place to ensure proper training for teachers, social workers, police officers, Border Force staff, and others?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend's dedicated efforts. The law will take effect in February, and I can confirm that cross-departmental work has been underway to ensure all relevant departments are prepared.
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Q12 Partial Answer
Karl Turner Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Context
The number of criminal solicitor firms with duty contracts has significantly decreased since 2010. The profession is facing challenges.
In 2010, there were 1,861 firms of criminal solicitors with duty contracts; now there are only 964. Who does the Lord Chancellor think broke the system?
I do not accept the hon. Member's characterisation. The Government have invested significantly in this area.
Assessment & feedback
Does Not Accept Characterization
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Despite increasing rape charges, the number of convictions remains low. There is a need for improved collaboration between police and CPS.
The police recorded 70,330 rapes in 2021-2022 but only 2,223 cases were charged by the Crown Prosecution Service. What steps will be taken to ensure more people are charged and brought before the courts?
I thank my hon. Friend for his dedicated work on this issue. The national roll-out of Operation Soteria is proving effective in improving collaboration between the police and CPS.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to increasing rape charging rates
National Roll-Out
Response accuracy
Q14 Direct Answer
Context
Four months have passed since the Government's response to a consultation on strategic lawsuits against public participation. Legislation is needed to protect journalists.
It has been four months since the Government's response to the SLAPPs consultation. When will necessary legislation be brought to Parliament?
I share the hon. Gentleman's commitment and aim to introduce specific legislative proposals as soon as possible, including a statutory definition of SLAPPs, an early dismissal process for claims without merit, and cost protection for defendants.
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Q15 Partial Answer
Context
Delays in family courts are causing significant issues, including defensive postures by parents and delayed mediation sessions.
Lawyers advise clients to file early to avoid delays, leading some parents into a defensive crouch. How will Ministers ensure that family law reform reduces these delays?
My hon. Friend is correct, and we are using mediation and a voucher scheme to support it. We also aim to use cost shifting in the courts so that people cannot double-dip or go from one process to another.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to reduce delays through reforms
Using Mediation Voucher Scheme
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
An official staff network within HM Prison and Probation Service circulated an email advising against certain phrases, leading to concerns about a hostile environment for female and LGBTQ+ staff.
An official staff network within HM Prison and Probation Service has circulated an email to all staff advising them that use of the phrases “protecting women and girls” and “same-sex attraction” is transphobic. Does the Minister agree that this advice risks creating a hostile environment for female staff and for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff? Will he distance the Ministry of Justice from it?
I can reassure the hon. and learned Lady that the email she speaks of was not an official Ministry of Justice or HM Prison and Probation Service email; it was from a network of staff. It does not constitute official advice. The Department is looking again at how internal communications are done.
Assessment & feedback
The response did not directly address the specific ask about distancing the Ministry of Justice from the email and focused on clarifying that it was unofficial advice.
Looking Again At How Internal Communications Are Done
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
Six-year-old Sharlotte-Sky was killed by a driver who committed multiple violations, including speeding and using a mobile phone. The driver received an unsatisfactory sentence.
Last June, six-year-old Sharlotte-Sky was killed as she walked near her home due to reckless driving by John Owen. Will the Lord Chancellor meet Sharlotte's mother Claire and me to urgently discuss sentencing guidelines?
May I express my condolences and deep sorrow to the family of my hon. Friend's young constituent? He will know that we have increased the sentencing for driving offences, but I am happy to look at the matter again with him and meet his constituents.
Assessment & feedback
The response did not commit to a specific meeting or address the request directly and instead offered to look at the matter again.
Happy To Look At The Matter Again
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Fleur Anderson Lab
Putney
Context
A rape survivor had her phone confiscated, causing distress. Police officers say this is due to court stipulations.
A constituent who is a rape survivor told me in tears how her phone was taken off her. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that phones are not taken off rape survivors? They say that it compounds the abuse they feel. Evidence could be taken very quickly and returned to them.
The hon. Lady is absolutely right about this issue, which is one of the eight levers that we are pressing down on to improve outcomes and give victims the confidence to come forward. A new scheme is in place in relation to digitisation, which is being rolled out and increased across England and Wales.
Assessment & feedback
The response did not directly address the specific ask about preventing phone confiscation from rape survivors.
Right About This Issue One Of Eight Levers
Response accuracy
Q19 Direct Answer
Context
HM Inspectorate of Prisons issued an urgent notification document about serious failings at HM Prison Exeter in 2018 and again last week, raising questions about why these were not addressed.
In 2018, HM Inspectorate of Prisons issued an urgent notification document setting out serious failings at HM Prison Exeter. Last week, the inspectorate, for the first time ever, issued a second consecutive notification about the same prison. Will he look urgently at why the failings were not picked up in the four years in between?
I will indeed. I take this extremely seriously, as my hon. Friend knows. This is the first time that we have had two consecutive urgent notifications about the same prison. The Department will come forward with a full action plan within 28 days.
Assessment & feedback
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Q20 Partial Answer
Nia Griffith Lab
Llanelli
Context
Mr and Mrs Amner were severely injured when their motorbike was hit by a driver under the influence of drugs. The perpetrator received a relatively lenient sentence, prompting concerns about sentencing guidelines.
My constituents Mr and Mrs Amner sustained horrific, life-changing injuries when their motorbike was hit by a car driver under the influence of drugs overtaking a van. They are extremely distressed that while they will live with the consequences for the rest of their lives, the perpetrator received just 30 months. Has he any plans for a Government Bill to raise the maximum sentence for drink and drug driving?
We have relatively recently increased the sentences in relation to driving offences, but if the hon. Lady writes to me again about this harrowing case, I will look at it very carefully and write back to her with the detail.
Assessment & feedback
The response did not address the specific ask about a Government Bill for increasing sentences and instead offered to review the individual case.
Increased The Sentences In Relation To Driving Offences Write Back With The Detail
Response accuracy
Q21 Direct Answer
Priti Patel Con
Witham
Context
A constituent is a victim of grooming, suffering from delayed justice due to backlogs in the criminal courts.
I have a constituent who has been sexually abused and assaulted. The trial keeps being pushed back, causing great distress. Can the Justice Secretary tell me how such cases will be prioritised so that justice can be served for victims?
My right hon. Friend and I worked together closely to increase sentences for the most serious crimes, and she is right about the impact of the Criminal Bar Association's strike action on the backlog. An extra £447 million will be going into the criminal justice system to improve waiting times. We are recruiting up to 1,000 judges in 2022-23 and removed the limit on sitting days in a Crown court for the second year in a row.
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Q22 Partial Answer
Sarah Green Lib Dem
Chesham and Amersham
Context
A surgeon who caused life-changing injuries due to improper surgical mesh insertion acted as an expert witness in a negligence case, leading to concerns about conflict of interest.
The surgeon who caused life-changing injuries by inserting surgical mesh into my constituent Carol recently acted as an expert witness in an unrelated surgical mesh negligence case. Will the Justice Secretary meet me and the victims of surgical mesh to hear directly from them how such conflicts of interest are proving to be a barrier to justice?
If the hon. Lady writes to me with the details of that case, I will certainly ensure that she has a meeting with the most appropriate Minister.
Assessment & feedback
The response did not commit to a specific meeting and instead suggested writing for further discussion.
Write To Me With The Details
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
Context
Families facing urgent family court cases need support during the process.
By their very nature, family court cases are sensitive, delicate and complex, but all are urgent. During the time for such cases to be heard, will the courts provide assistance for families who are having difficult times to get them through the process?
Yes, and if the hon. Member writes to me with the details of his concerns, I would be happy to address them in more detail, on top of the assurances I have already provided to the House about the approach we are taking forward.
Assessment & feedback
Details of specific assistance for families facing urgent family court cases were not addressed.
Will Be Happy To Address In More Detail
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
A constituent named Lisa Brown has been missing since 2015, with a prime suspect who was imprisoned in Liverpool in 2020 for drug offences and gun-running having absconded recently.
My constituent Lisa Brown has been missing, presumed murdered, in Spain since 2015, yet this morning I heard from Lisa's family that the prime suspect, who was imprisoned in Liverpool in 2020 for 12 years for drug offences and gun-running, has absconded. Can I ask the Secretary of State or their prisons Minister to assure me, Lisa's family and the House that their Department is doing all it can to return this dangerous criminal to prison, where they rightfully belong?
Certainly I can give the hon. Gentleman and his constituents that assurance. Absconds are actually very rare now; they have fallen by nearly two thirds over the last decade, from 235 in 2010-11 to 95 in 2021-22. The majority are captured quickly, but he will want to know that that happens in this case and I will ensure that his concerns are passed on.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions being taken to return the absconding criminal were not detailed.
Absconds Are Actually Very Rare The Majority Are Captured Quickly
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Andrew Slaughter Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Context
The Bill of Rights Bill is under scrutiny for potentially weakening the ability of victims to enforce their European convention rights, and the Secretary of State may face removal due to an abuse of power investigation.
The Bill of Rights Bill strengthens the power of the state by weakening the ability of victims to enforce their European convention rights. Does the Secretary of State think that it is appropriate for him to be piloting this legislation when he is himself under investigation for the abuse of power and may not be in Government to complete the passage of this controversial constitutional change, for which he appears to be the only advocate?
Assessment & feedback
The appropriateness of the Secretary of State's involvement was not addressed.
Response accuracy