Topical Questions

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Justice Secretary is enquired upon how dedicated public servants across the justice system have continued delivering vital services during the pandemic, including implementing contingency measures for hearings, 16 Nightingale courtrooms, and national frameworks to deal with covid in prisons.

Question

Can the Justice Secretary give an example of a military operational decision that has been changed as a result of court action or the threat of court action, and an example of a vexatious claim that has not been dismissed by the courts. The inquiry relates to the Bill set for debate which contains provisions to ensure armed services are supported while ensuring no one is above the law.

Question

A decade of cuts, court closures and mishandling of the pandemic has created a backlog in the Crown courts of nearly 50,000 cases. It could reach 195,000 by 2024. The Courts Service says we need at least an extra 200 venues to fill the gap, but on 19 October 2020, the Judicial Office confirmed only five Nightingale courts were hearing jury trials. That is a failure of epic proportions leading to thousands of victims being denied justice. Has the Lord Chancellor failed to ask for enough resources or been denied them by the Treasury?

Question

What are the Government doing to support the resourcing of magistrates courts which are vital to dispensation of justice? For victims of violent crime and domestic abuse, it is important that their cases are expedited. The questioner seeks government measures supporting resource allocation for timely justice delivery in his constituency.

Question

When somebody under 18 commits an offence, they join the long list waiting for hearing and are then tried in adult courts. That cannot be right. Will Justice Secretary review this and ensure that if crime is committed by youth, they are tried through youth justice system?

Question

Will my hon. and learned Friend explain what she is doing to ensure that prison staff have access to swift testing, to avoid unnecessary periods of self-isolation? Has consideration been given to making mandatory the wearing of face masks by prison officers when on duty?

Question

In my constituency, we have lost one of our most established independent legal advice centres. Access to such service is vital for people facing debt and employment issues. The sector has faced cuts over years and demand grew during lockdown. Can the Secretary of State outline steps taken to ensure these services are available?

Question

The female offender strategy recommends women's centres over custodial sentences but funding committed as part of this strategy ended in March. The Minister mentioned more funding for women's services. Will the Government commit to providing significant core funding specifically for women's centres?

Question

What steps is my right hon. and learned Friend taking to ensure that all victims, particularly those subject to crimes like sexual-related offences or modern slavery, receive proper support and have their rights protected?

Question

What steps is the Government taking to make sure that trials of people accused of domestic abuse and support for their victims are being prioritised?

Question

Would the Secretary of State agree to meet me to discuss the reopening of our police cells in Hartlepool as a matter of importance to build back confidence?

Question

The Lord Chancellor is aware that my constituent Kelly Ormerod's parents died while on holiday in Egypt more than two years ago. The UK coroner cannot get answers for cause of death, causing anxiety for the family. Would he meet me and Kelly to progress this case through the UK coroner?

Question

I am concerned about the serious situation in my constituency with the YPeople project where the police have been called out 700 times over two years for antisocial behavior, crime, weapons, and drug misuse. Despite these high rates persisting during lockdown, residents are terrified and children face risks like being offered drugs at school. What more can be done to provide intensive rehabilitation before relocation to prevent such pervasive risk?

Question

My constituency's LandWorks charity assists people at risk of prison or those recently released back into work and community life. With monthly prisoner releases unable to access universal credit and housing, will the Minister meet me to discuss improving access mechanisms for these individuals?

Question

As we enter another lockdown with severe restrictions on prisoners, will the Minister consider the serious harms that minimising covid restrictions risk causing to prisoners, prison officers, and their families?