Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Crown Prosecution Service: Case Backlog

Thursday 9 July 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 4 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Attorney General shares concern about the growing backlog in the courts and highlights efforts to reduce it through digital tools and court reopening plans.
  • The Attorney General reassures the House that no decision has been made regarding judge-only-led trials and expresses commitment to the right to a fair trial.
  • The Attorney General confirms that the CPS has successfully maintained its recruitment plans and now has over 300 new prosecutors.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jeff Smith Lab Montrose and Angus
Justice & Courts
Context

Concerns over the growing backlog of cases waiting to come before UK courts due to the pandemic.

Question

What discussions has the Attorney General had with the CPS on its role in reducing the backlog of cases waiting to come before the courts?

Answer from Suella Braverman (Attorney General)

I share the concern about the growing backlog in the courts. The UK is a global leader when it comes to the Crown courts, with jury trials restarting in May. Digital tools have been harnessed in more than 10,000 cases and all courts will reopen by mid-July. Prosecutors have continued their responsibilities despite the pandemic both remotely and physically, and CPS has been actively involved in cross-government discussions.

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Q2 Jeff Smith Lab Montrose and Angus
Justice & Courts
Context

MP commends CPS staff for their efforts during the pandemic but questions specific measures proposed to address case backlogs.

Question

I join the Attorney General in commending the work of CPS staff and many others, including jurors, to keep our justice system running during the pandemic. Will she assure the House that measures taken to help reduce the backlog will not include judge-only-led trials?

Answer from Suella Braverman (Attorney General)

The Lord Chancellor and I discuss a range of criminal justice issues on a regular basis. The Ministry of Justice is leading the court recovery plan which includes legislative and non-legislative measures but nothing is decided yet, however I can reassure him that I am deeply committed to the right to jury trial.

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Q3 Bob Neill Con Bromley and Chislehurst
Justice & Courts
Context

Concern regarding the availability of resources, both financial and human, to ensure that a competent qualified prosecutor is always available.

Question

On the court recovery plan, will the Attorney General ensure that the CPS has the resources, in terms of not only money but personnel—such as in-house lawyers, solicitor advocates, and instructing independent members of the Bar—to make sure that a competent qualified prosecutor is always available to prosecute cases wherever they are needed?

Answer from Suella Braverman (Attorney General)

My hon. Friend raises an important point. The CPS has coped remarkably well despite the challenges, currently receiving 1.8 cases for every one that can be completed in court. It is also successfully maintaining its recruitment plans and now has more than 300 new prosecutors.

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Q4 Ellie Reeves Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Concern over the length it could take to clear the criminal case backlog and inquiries into specific measures such as Nightingale courts.

Question

The recent HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate report found that it could take 10 years to clear the criminal case backlog, with 41,000 outstanding cases. Can the Attorney General confirm today when the Nightingale courts will be up and running, and how many victims of sexual violence are still waiting for their case to get to court?

Answer from Suella Braverman (Attorney General)

The recent inspectorate report gives a strong commendation to the CPS for its response to this pandemic, and there is a strong vote of confidence in the CPS's resilience. The Lord Chancellor has published a detailed plan with many measures under consideration. There is a commitment to the right to jury trial but no decisions have been made yet.

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