Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Access to Justice

Tuesday 3 November 2020 · 5 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

  • Ministerial commitment to ensuring timely access to justice includes spending 1.7 billion on legal aid in 2018-19.
  • Government measures include additional Saturday court sittings, funding for not-for-profit providers, and remote hearings.
  • HMCTS staff have been praised for implementing social distancing measures in courts during the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP is concerned about ensuring individuals can access the justice system effectively.

Question

What steps he is taking to help ensure access to justice. Court users deserve protection from covid while accessing justice, yet there have been numerous outbreaks at courts and tribunals.

Answer from Alex Chalk

Access to justice is a fundamental right and the Government are committed to ensuring timely support. In 2018-19, £1.7 billion was spent on legal aid. Measures include additional Saturday court sittings, funding for not-for-profit providers, and remote hearings.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner's concern about risk assessments was not directly addressed.

How: Acknowledged Access To Justice Is Important

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Q2 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

The MP notes legal aid firms urgently need financial support during the second national lockdown.

Question

Will the Government announce new measures to support legal aid lawyers over the second national lockdown?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Legal aid lawyers do a magnificent job. The Government have rolled out furlough and other supports. Courts continue to operate, with magistrates courts handling more cases than received.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for new measures was not directly addressed.

How: Acknowledged Support Through Furlough

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Q3 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Policing & Resources
Context

The MP is concerned about the halving of police community support officers in Cambridgeshire during a time when they are needed for covid compliance.

Question

Will the Minister join me in condemning those cuts and demanding that they be withdrawn?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Grateful for the question, but welcomes the fact that this Government are recruiting an additional 20,000 police officers who will crack down on crime.

Not addressed: The specific ask to condemn and withdraw cuts was not addressed.

How: Shifted Focus To Recruitment Of New Officers

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Q4 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

The MP notes alarming number of outbreaks at courts and tribunals, questioning the lack of proper consultation with staff union over risk assessments.

Question

Does the Minister agree that by failing to consult properly with the Public and Commercial Services Union, the courts service risks making a bad situation worse?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Pays tribute to HMCTS staff for keeping courts running in difficult circumstances. Staff have ensured proper social distancing measures are in place.

Not addressed: The specific ask about risk assessments was not addressed.

How: Shifted Focus To Praise Of Staff Efforts

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Q5 Karl Turner Ind Kingston upon Hull East
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP highlights the justice gap for those not eligible for legal aid, with 94% of working single parents already facing difficult choices.

Question

What is the Minister going to do to ensure that the rights that we hold dear actually exist in practice?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Agrees ensuring access to justice is fundamental. Provided funding for law centres during the pandemic, reassuring them about continued work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding legal aid eligibility was not directly addressed.

How: Acknowledged Importance Of Access To Justice

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