Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Criminal Justice System Recovery: Covid-19

Thursday 1 July 2021 · 7 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister meets criminal justice partners to discuss recovery from covid-19.
  • Criminal justice agencies in north Wales have worked closely to deliver essential services.
  • CPS South East is working with partners to maximize court capacity and improve file quality in Sussex.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Ansell Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP questioned the government's steps to support the recovery of the criminal justice system as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support the recovery of the criminal justice system as covid-19 restrictions are eased?

Answer from Michael Ellis

I frequently meet criminal justice partners to discuss this important issue. The covid-19 outbreak has been felt keenly by the criminal justice system. Recovery is a priority for this Government. I have been proud of the resilience that criminal justice agencies have shown.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments to support recovery were not provided, only general statements about prioritization and pride in agency efforts.

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Q2 Simon Baynes
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP thanked the police, Wrexham and Denbighshire councils for their work during the pandemic and asked about reassurances on justice delivery.

Question

I thank the police, Wrexham and Denbighshire councils and other authorities in Clwyd South, who have done a great job during the difficult days of the pandemic. How can my right hon. and learned Friend reassure my constituents of efforts to continue to deliver justice in Clwyd South, despite the pandemic?

Answer from Michael Ellis

I thank my hon. Friend for his generous question. I am proud that all criminal justice agencies have worked closely together since the covid-19 outbreak to ensure that essential justice services continue to be delivered. The CPS and the court service in north Wales have worked closely together throughout the pandemic to ensure that courts can be run safely and to maximise the flow of cases, while preserving public health.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While praising agencies for their efforts, specific commitments or actions taken by his department were not provided.

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Q3 Caroline Ansell Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP highlighted a backlog of over 800 cases in the Crown court in Sussex and asked for assurances on addressing this issue.

Question

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his answer. In Sussex, we have a backlog of over 800 Crown court cases—one case is now approaching four years without coming to court—and a rising drop-out rate. The Nightingale court in Chichester is making a real difference, but we still need greater capacity and pace. Can he assure me that every avenue is being pursued to address this backlog, so that we can ensure justice for victims in Eastbourne and in Sussex?

Answer from Michael Ellis

Yes, indeed. CPS South East in her region is working with all criminal justice partners to support the recovery activity within Sussex, including to ensure court capacity can be maximised and file quality improved—of course, the better the file quality, the speedier proceedings can follow.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer provided general assurances without specific details on additional capacity or timelines.

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Q4 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP questioned the government's stance on ensuring equal enforcement of laws post-pandemic, referencing a specific incident involving a former Health Secretary.

Question

As we come out of the pandemic, to restore confidence in the criminal justice system, the public need to know that the law will apply equally to everyone, irrespective of rank, job or title. It is clear from the footage of the former Health Secretary and his aide that the law on indoor gatherings was breached. Does the Attorney General agree that by failing to investigate the former Health Secretary's breach, this Government are sending the message that there is one rule for Government Ministers and another for everyone else?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The hon. Lady will know that we do not discuss individual cases, putative or otherwise. The reality of the matter is that, as she will recognise, everyone is equal under the law in our system. That has always been the case and remains the case.

Not addressed: The Attorney General avoided answering whether there was unequal enforcement by invoking not discussing individual cases.

How: Does Not Discuss Individual Cases

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Q5 Angela Crawley SNP
Justice & Courts Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP highlighted the impact of austerity measures and the pandemic on access to justice, questioning the government's plans for ensuring legal aid availability.

Question

With a record 60,000 cases in the backlog of Crown court cases, past UK Government austerity is closing legal aid centres and now covid is impacting significantly on access to justice. Does the Attorney General agree that the justice system is vital to keeping cases moving through the justice system, and what does he plan to do to ensure that access to legal aid is available for everyone across the UK?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The hon. Member is right to raise this point. Of course, access to legal aid is very important in the administration of justice, and this Government have maintained funding for that purpose. She is also right to focus on the impact of the pandemic on the system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging the importance of legal aid and noting past government actions, specific future plans or commitments were not provided.

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Q6 Bob Neill Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The Director of Public Prosecutions testified to the Justice Committee about pressures caused by a backlog, with case levels at 50% above pre-COVID figures. There is concern over staff fatigue.

Question

I am concerned about the pressures that the backlog places on the Crown Prosecution Service due to case levels running at 50% above pre-covid levels, which risks CPS staff becoming fatigued. Can we ensure sustained investment in the prosecution service so staff can cope with demands and cases are brought forward timeously?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The Government recognise the importance of staff wellbeing in the criminal justice system. The Crown Prosecution Service has received praise for its focus on staff wellbeing during the pandemic, with an estimated 52,000 additional cases and a 70% increase in Crown courts trials.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify sustained investment or timeline to address increased case loads and staff fatigue

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Q7 Virendra Sharma Lab
Justice & Courts Business & Trade
Context

Small business owners are struggling with unpaid invoices and bills, threatening their homes. They rely on courts to recover lost money but face challenges due to pandemic pressures.

Question

My constituents who are small business owners and self-employed are facing threats of losing their homes due to unpaid invoices and bills for work provided. With no access to national support schemes, they need courts to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. What will the Minister do to help them get justice swiftly?

Answer from Michael Ellis

The Government are aware of the pressures faced by all sizes of businesses due to the pandemic. Small businesses, in particular, face significant pressure from losses. While courts will process recovery cases, there are prioritizations within the system. The Ministry of Justice is working hard to support court processes so that matters can be dealt with expeditiously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify measures or timeline for expedient debt recovery in courts

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