Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Criminal Justice System: Covid-19 Recovery

Thursday 20 May 2021 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Inspections in June 2020 and March 2021 found that the CPS responded well to the challenges caused by covid-19.
  • The CPS south-east region identifies domestic abuse cases and works with the Courts and Tribunal Service to list them as a priority.
  • The CPS introduced an interim charging protocol in April 2020 prioritising high-harm cases, including rape and domestic abuse.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sally-Ann Hart
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises due to the Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) role in supporting the criminal justice system during the pandemic.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the CPS's contribution to the criminal justice system's covid-19 recovery?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Inspections in June 2020 and March 2021 found that the CPS responded well to the challenges caused by covid-19. The CPS has made a significant contribution, working closely with partners. Prosecutors and staff have continued delivering essential services both virtually and in person throughout the pandemic.

Answered
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Q2 Laura Trott Con Sevenoaks
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The concern stems from a need to ensure that cases involving domestic abuse and sexual assault are prioritised to avoid higher drop-off rates due to delays.

Question

Will the Crown Prosecution Service do all it can to prioritise cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse in the backlog?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The CPS south-east region identifies domestic abuse cases, working with the Courts and Tribunal Service to ensure that they can be listed before the court as a priority. Work is being done to bring trial dates forward to avoid unnecessary delay.

Answered
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Q3 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The issue involves the significant delay in obtaining an advocate for rape victims, who are then not allowed into the courtroom during trials.

Question

Why is there a three to six-month wait for an advocate and why can't the advocate support the victim in court?

Answer from Michael Ellis

A rape review is due soon. The CPS introduced an interim charging protocol in April 2020 prioritising high-harm cases, including rape and domestic abuse. While backlogs have been affected by the pandemic, significant efforts are being made to mitigate delays.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for waiting times were not provided; only general comments on tackling backlog were given.

How: Discussed Ongoing Work To Address Backlogs

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Q4 Sally-Ann Hart
Justice & Courts
Context

The question is prompted by the need for the CPS to learn from its pandemic response and improve future resilience.

Question

What learning will the CPS take forward from its pandemic response?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The cloud video platform, enabling around 20,000 virtual hearings a week, is one area of focus for post-pandemic resilience planning. Other measures will also be considered.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Only highlighted the cloud video platform without specifying other future measures.

How: Referenced Specific Example But Did Not Provide Comprehensive Learning Points

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Q5 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Justice & Courts Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Concern about reduced funding affecting court capacity, leading to a backlog.

Question

Why has the annual spending on recorded sitting days been halved from £19 million to £9.5 million?

Answer from Michael Ellis

An unlimited amount of sitting days has recently been arranged by the Ministry of Justice, allowing courts to make dramatic progress. This includes recorders and the judiciary generally.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the reduction in funding but provided assurance on current arrangements.

How: Discussed Current Measures Without Addressing Past Reductions

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Q6 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Justice & Courts
Context

The issue involves concerns about the length of time suspects can be on bail before being charged, with specific reference to a case involving prolonged pre-charge bail.

Question

What will the Government do to protect against injustices related to pre-charge bail in coming legislation?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Decisions on pre-charge bail are operational and independent of Government. The Attorney General recognises the distress delays cause but cannot interfere with individual cases directly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific protections against injustices in future legislation.

How: Explained Limitations On Direct Intervention

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