Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: CPS

Tuesday 28 April 2020 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tom Hunt asked about measures to ensure the CPS remains effective during the covid-19 outbreak, citing concerns over staff safety and operational challenges.
  • William Wragg inquired about the CPS's collaboration with courts to manage the impact of the pandemic and support recovery planning.
  • Robert Largan questioned the government and CPS about steps to prevent an enormous backlog of court cases due to the current crisis.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Hunt
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from concerns about the functioning of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) amidst the ongoing pandemic, affecting its ability to maintain effective operations and support the criminal justice system.

Question

What steps she is taking to ensure the effectiveness of the CPS during the covid-19 outbreak. I am concerned that with staff working remotely or in person only when safe, the CPS may face challenges in supporting the criminal justice system's response to the pandemic effectively.

Answer from Suella Braverman

I would like to put on record my thanks to the whole CPS family for their hard work during this uncertain period. CPS staff are working remotely or in person when safe, using more technology and collaboration with other partners such as the judiciary and Courts Service to ensure practical arrangements that allow our justice system to continue functioning through efficient management of resources.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps taken to maintain CPS effectiveness specifically during the pandemic

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Q2 William Wragg Con
Justice & Courts
Context

Building on previous points, this question focuses on the practical efforts being made by the CPS in partnership with other justice entities to manage the impact of the pandemic and plan for recovery.

Question

Further to her answer, will she tell me how the Crown Prosecution Service is working with the courts to manage the impact of covid-19 on its services and particularly to support them in planning for recovery?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Justice is non-negotiable, and notwithstanding the crisis we are facing, it is important that justice continues to be done. There has been effective work between the CPS and other partners to ensure practical arrangements for our justice system's continued function through technology use and resource management. The focus now turns towards recovery by exploring options for phased recovery.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on efforts made or concrete plans for recovery

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Q3 Tom Hunt
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

This question addresses a concerning trend in the community where suspected criminals are assaulting police officers through spitting and coughing, particularly dangerous during the pandemic. The speaker emphasizes the need for swift justice to deter such crimes.

Question

Over recent weeks, we have seen a shameful trend in suspected criminals spitting and coughing at police officers. There have been cases in my constituency of Ipswich. Those responsible must face court quickly so they can be duly punished and others deterred. What steps is my right hon. and learned Friend taking to ensure the CPS prosecutes these crimes?

Answer from Suella Braverman

My hon. Friend makes a crucial point; assaults on frontline staff will not be tolerated and such offenders face full legal consequences. The CPS has successfully prosecuted several recent cases of these offenses, showing commitment to justice for emergency workers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps being taken by the CPS in prosecuting these crimes

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Q4 Robert Largan
Justice & Courts
Context

The concern here is about the potential for a large backlog of court cases due to the current crisis, which could lead to significant costs and delays in justice delivery. The speaker seeks measures taken by the government alongside the CPS.

Question

What steps are the Government taking along with the CPS to ensure that this current crisis does not leave us with an enormous backlog of court cases leading to huge costs and delay in delivering justice?

Answer from Suella Braverman

My hon. Friend raises an important point; the CPS is working with other entities to manage case listings, prioritizing those that can be resolved quickly to reduce potential backlogs. The Coronavirus Act 2020 enables video and digital technology use for court hearings during this crisis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on measures taken or concrete steps preventing backlog formation

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