Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the long-standing issue of court delays caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, affecting many victims waiting for justice.
If he will bring forward a strategy to support victims affected by court delays as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. Victims of serious violent crime like rape and sexual abuse are facing significant trauma due to these delays.
We continue to make significant progress on criminal courts' recovery. Since August, magistrates courts have consistently completed more cases than they are receiving. In the Crown court, millions of pounds have been invested in perspex screens, technology and Nightingale courts to enable thousands of hearings to be listed each week.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific strategy or additional support for victims impacted by delays
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The north-east has experienced significant court delays, impacting the mental health of rape victims. Support organizations in Newcastle need specific aid.
Rape is a violent and devastating crime, putting enormous pressure on its victims who may view the trial as a second violation. What support is the Minister providing to victim organisations such as the sexual exploitation hub in my constituency?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right to raise this point, and I am grateful to her for doing so. We take this extremely seriously. Of the £76 million that we allocated to victims' organisations, a full £20 million was rolled out through PCCs to provide community support.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific support for sexual exploitation hubs or other organizations in Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Levels of antisocial behaviour in Kingston upon Hull have been growing, putting pressure on victims who feel justice is beyond reach.
What discussions has the Minister had with his counterpart in the Home Office about a specific strategy for communities where antisocial behaviour is increasing? Will he meet me to discuss what more can be done?
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question. Let the message go out in Kingston upon Hull that people who want to perpetrate antisocial behaviour should understand that the courts are operating, that the police are there to make arrests and that justice will be done.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not discuss specific strategy or willingness to meet for further discussion
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The delays have caused trauma for victims waiting for justice, with half a million unheard cases. Additional resources are needed to address this.
Will the Minister meet me as well to discuss this matter? How many of the 200 additional court venues have been provided and how much funding has been allocated to deal with the pandemic-induced backlog?
Let me deal with this point about courts. Because so much money has gone into providing perspex and so on, the number of courtrooms available for trials is higher than the baseline.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific numbers or funding amounts related to new venues
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Victims are waiting longer than ever for justice, with some pulling out of trials due to delays. The Minister has received complaints from PCCs.
How many crimes need to go unpunished before Ministers will come forward with a plan backed by targets and resources? The backlog is not just numbers but a tragedy for each victim awaiting justice.
I regret that the hon. Gentleman has not read the plan that has been published, because if he had, he would know that in the magistrates courts the backlog is being eroded, because disposals have exceeded receipts since the end of July.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on a new plan or targets for reducing backlog
Response accuracy