Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Criminal Justice Backlog

Thursday 24 September 2020 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Covid-19 has presented an unprecedented challenge for the criminal justice system.
  • More than 900 jury trials have been listed since they recommenced on 18 May.
  • 128 rooms suitable for jury trials are currently available, rising to 250 by the end of October.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from the significant backlog of cases in the criminal justice system caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Question

What steps she is taking to reduce the backlog of cases in the criminal justice system. The MP highlighted the unprecedented challenge presented by the pandemic and noted that significant cross-system working has been under way but more needs to be done.

Answer from Michael Ellis

Covid-19 has presented an unprecedented challenge for the criminal justice system, and significant cross-system working has been under way to keep cases moving through the system throughout the pandemic. Prosecutors and front-line CPS staff have continued to cover open courts throughout the outbreak.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific steps or measures to reduce the backlog.

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Q2 Rosie Cooper Lab
Justice & Courts
Context

Judge Raynor accused the Government of systemic failure for not conducting trials in a reasonable time, prompting this question.

Question

Following Judge Raynor's comments, what steps is the Attorney General taking with the Lord Chancellor to increase the number of safe and effective jury trials? The MP raised concerns about delays in trials due to systemic issues and asked for specific actions being taken by the Government.

Answer from Michael Ellis

We safely resumed jury trials in England and Wales before any comparable jurisdiction in the world. More than 900 jury trials have been listed since they recommenced on 18 May with the full support of Public Health England and Public Health Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address Judge Raynor's criticism or provide specific steps to increase the number of safe and effective jury trials.

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Q3 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Justice & Courts
Context

Reports indicate some trials are being listed for 2023, with indefinite court dates. The MP cites the principle that justice delayed is justice denied.

Question

We have seen reports of some trials being listed for 2023, and in some cases court dates are not being given indefinitely. Does the Solicitor General agree that justice delayed is justice denied, and what is he doing to ensure safe jury trials can be brought forward? The MP highlighted concerns about indefinite delays and asked for specific actions.

Answer from Michael Ellis

This is clearly a very important issue. We are performing better than comparable Commonwealth countries, but there is always more to do. 128 rooms suitable for jury trials are currently available, rising to 250 by the end of October. The CPS backlog is decreasing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific steps to bring forward trial dates or address indefinite delays directly.

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