Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 29 June 2021 · 14 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Whistleblower case in probation service raises concerns over staffing levels and public safeguarding.
  • Government addresses online and telephone economic crime through public-private partnership and potential legislative changes.
  • Discrepancy noted between announced funding for clearing court backlogs and actual spending allocation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Justice & Courts Safeguarding & DBS
Context

The question follows the launch of a unified probation service for England and Wales with significant investment over two years.

Question

Over the weekend, we launched the unified probation service. I am concerned about a whistleblower case in the probation service where staffing levels dropped by 60%, leaving teams overwhelmed and potentially risking public safeguarding, welfare of staff, and rehabilitation outcomes.

Answer from Robert Buckland

I will ensure that the letter is brought to my attention. The case will be carefully reviewed. With 1,000 probation officers already recruited and another 1,500 on the way, alongside changes in managing case loads, the situation should improve.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly address whether the 60% drop is an unacceptable risk to public safety

How: Will Be Carefully Reviewed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question highlights concerns about constituents being victims of economic crimes through online and phone-based activities.

Question

I am very concerned by the number of constituents who have approached me who are victims of online and telephone economic crime. What is the Government doing to tackle such crime?

Answer from Alex Chalk

The Government's response includes focusing on high-harm fraud types through a public-private partnership, considering further legislative changes for law enforcement tools.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify any specific actions or legislation beyond general priorities

How: Considering Legislative Changes

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Felicity Buchan
Justice & Courts Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The question addresses a discrepancy between the Prime Minister's claim of £1 billion investment and the actual announced figure of £275 million for clearing court backlogs.

Question

The Prime Minister claimed an additional £1 billion for clearing court backlogs but in the spending review, only £275 million was announced. Will the Secretary of State correct this discrepancy?

Answer from Robert Buckland

The specific figure relates to spending for the coming year; equivalent sums were spent previously. Other Ministries also fund court recovery efforts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a clear correction or reconciliation of figures

How: Relates To Spending For The Coming Year, Other Ministries

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Justice & Courts
Context

The question addresses a previous statement of intent from the Lord Chancellor to prevent a recurrence of issues at Rainsbrook, which did occur again recently.

Question

In March, the Lord Chancellor told the Justice Committee he would not allow similar issues at Rainsbrook secure training centre. Yet this happened again within a year and a half. Does he feel like a fool? What consequences will there be to ensure such failures do not happen again?

Answer from Robert Buckland

Immediate action was taken upon receiving reports; children were moved out of harm's way. Work continues on the overall future of Rainsbrook, with clear messages given to providers about expectations and no second chances.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify any specific consequences for failures

How: Clear Messages Given To Providers, No Second Chances

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question concerns the support and sentencing guidelines for victims of stalking, highlighting a specific constituent's case.

Question

My constituent suffered 13 months of abuse from her ex-husband who was given a restraining order. Will the Government strengthen sentences for stalking and commit to greater support for victims?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Stalking became an offence in 2012; maximum sentence doubled to 10 years. Prioritising these cases with police and courts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to stronger penalties or additional support beyond existing measures

How: Stalking Became An Offence In 2012, Maximum Sentence Doubled

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q6 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Justice & Courts Safeguarding & DBS
Context

The question highlights a whistleblower case indicating significant drops in staffing levels and potential risks to public safety.

Question

There has been a 60% drop in staff at probation services, leaving teams overwhelmed. Does the Secretary of State accept this as an unacceptable risk to public safeguarding?

Answer from Robert Buckland

The case will be carefully reviewed; investment has led to recruitment of 1,000 probation officers and another 1,500 planned.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not acknowledge the risk as unacceptable directly

How: Will Be Carefully Reviewed, Recruitment Ongoing

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q7 Jonathan Gullis
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Lord Chancellor supported the MP's private Member's Bill to protect memorials and graves from desecration. The question seeks clarity on whether this law will cover statues like Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.

Question

I once again place on the record my thanks to the Lord Chancellor for backing my private Member's Bill which called for specific protection and punishment for those who desecrate memorials and graves to our glorious dead. The people of Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke also want to know whether this change in the law will protect the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.

Answer from Robert Buckland

I thank my hon. Friend for raising an issue of genuine and widespread public concern. He will note that the phraseology in the Bill talks about memorials, which of course would include memorials such as the one to Sir Winston Churchill.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q8 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Immigration Justice & Courts Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Merseyside and Vauxhall law centres in Liverpool are concerned about the impact of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 on legal aid access. They need clarity on how this affects vulnerable individuals facing issues like rent arrears, welfare benefits, employment, immigration, crime, and domestic violence.

Question

The Merseyside and Vauxhall law centres in Liverpool, Riverside are extremely concerned about how constituents access the legal advice that they need in the light of the drastic impact of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 cuts on legal aid, court waiting times and availability of advice. How does the Minister intend to ensure that the sector can provide access to justice in a properly functioning legal system for those facing problems with rent arrears, welfare benefits, employment, immigration, crime and domestic violence in the wake of the pandemic?

Answer from Alex Chalk

I thank the hon. Lady for paying tribute to law centres; she is absolutely right to do that. They do an important job of ensuring that individuals—sometimes vulnerable individuals—can get that vital legal advice and access to justice that they need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the importance of law centres but does not provide specific details on how they will be supported or funded post-legal aid cuts.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q9 Philip Hollobone Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The number of Albanian prisoners in UK jails has increased significantly from 524 in 2015 to 1,469 in 2020. The MP seeks clarity on why these prisoners are not being sent back to Albania despite a compulsory prisoner transfer agreement.

Question

The number of Albanian prisoners in jail has increased from 524 in 2015 to 1,469 in 2020 and they now represent the largest single national group of foreign national offenders in custody. Although it is very good news that those criminals have been caught and sentenced, given that we have a compulsory prisoner transfer agreement with Albania, which was signed in 2013, why are those convicts not being sent back to Albania to serve out their sentences in prison in their own country?

Answer from Robert Buckland

My hon. Friend is right to analyse the figures closely. It is interesting to note that some of the assumptions that people make about foreign nationals and where they are from are out of date. My hon. Friend is right to highlight our agreement with Albania, but operationally those issues are difficult because often the individuals whom we have identified, prosecuted and properly incarcerated will not be known to the authorities in the receiving country and there are issues with identity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer explains operational difficulties but does not provide a specific commitment or action plan for repatriation of Albanian prisoners.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q10 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

Chris Whitty experienced harassment, highlighting an increase in antisocial behaviour across the country. The MP asks why antisocial behaviour has risen while use of antisocial behaviour orders has fallen.

Question

It was good to see the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State condemning the harassment of Chris Whitty in recent days. However, the irony seems to be lost that Chris Whitty experienced textbook antisocial behaviour of the kind that happens increasingly up and down our country in every single community. Will the Secretary of State explain why antisocial behaviour has been rising for five years, yet use of antisocial behaviour orders and measures has fallen? When he introduces a victims Bill, will it include measures to give victim status to people who suffer from antisocial behaviour?

Answer from Robert Buckland

May I put on record my condemnation of the appalling incident involving Professor Whitty in the last few days? With regard to the way in which antisocial behaviour is policed, there have been welcome initiatives and, indeed, changes to the law by Government on preventive measures, particularly for young people and children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer condemns the incident but does not provide specific details about why antisocial behaviour has risen or whether the victims bill will address it.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q11 Christian Wakeford Lab Bury South
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of death by dangerous driving on local communities and seeks tougher sentences to reflect the seriousness of such crimes.

Question

Death by dangerous driving is not just heartbreaking for the families left behind, but has a huge impact on local communities. I am thinking in particular of Radcliffe New Road in my constituency. Will my right hon. and learned Friend highlight what work he is undertaking so that those who cause death by reckless and dangerous driving receive tougher sentences to reflect the serious nature of their crime?

Answer from Robert Buckland

My hon. Friend is right to raise on behalf of his constituents in Bury the real damage that can be caused to the community by careless and dangerous driving. Through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, we will increase the maximum penalties for causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink and drugs, and for causing death by dangerous driving, from 14 years to life imprisonment.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q12 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Justice & Courts
Context

Reports suggest the government has used a reconsideration mechanism to re-refer a convicted murderer and child rapist, Colin Pitchfork, to the Parole Board. The case involves significant public interest due to its severity.

Question

If reports are true that my right hon. and learned Friend has referred the double murderer and child rapist Colin Pitchfork back to the Parole Board using a reconsideration mechanism, can he confirm this? I thank him for listening to me, my constituents, and those affected by his crimes. Does he agree legislation was intended for cases like Worboys?

Answer from Robert Buckland

Colin Pitchfork's offences are the gravest; families still feel pain from his crimes. The Parole Board assesses safety for release, not punishment adequacy. Decision reviewed by officials, found arguable grounds it was irrational, so reconsideration mechanism used.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q13 Joanna Cherry SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

The Ministry of Justice has left the Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme, raising concerns about rights protection for LGBTQ+ employees and others with protected characteristics.

Question

Why did the Ministry leave the Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme? Can you reassure me that all employees' rights will be respected?

Answer from Robert Buckland

Rights of LGBTQ+ people are respected, honoured, and celebrated. Officials were no longer convinced the specific scheme was a right use of public money due to concerns about Stonewall's direction. However, commitment remains.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation of leaving the scheme but not addressing rights protections directly.

How: We Are Taking Part In Pride Month

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q14 Simon Jupp
Justice & Courts
Context

Over 8,000 criminal cases are unresolved in Devon and Cornwall. Constituents anxiously await progress on their cases.

Question

What steps is my right hon. and learned Friend taking to reduce case backlogs in Devon?

Answer from Robert Buckland

Progress has been made in magistrates and Crown courts for dealing with the case load effectively, encouraged by figures. Nightingale courts increased capacity; no limit on sitting days ahead, easing restrictions will allow more cases to be listed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps taken but not specific timeline or commitment.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email