Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 27 June 2023 · 24 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 17 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Anna Firth asked about increasing sentences for supplying knives to under-18s, currently six months.
  • Steve Reed asked about the Government's proposed reforms in the economic crime Bill and their impact on silencing journalists in British courts.
  • Henry Smith inquired about measures to protect children and young people from internet trolls who encourage self-harm.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anna Firth
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP notes that 18% of knife possession offences involve juveniles, which is a matter of great concern. She asks if there should be consideration given to increasing the sentence for those who supply knives to under-18s.

Question

According to the Government's own statistics, 18% of knife possession offences involve juveniles, which is of great concern to my constituents in Southend West. What consideration is being given to increasing the sentence for those supplying a knife to an under-18, which is currently only six months? Should that not be the same as possession of a knife, which is currently four years?

Answer from Alex Chalk

We keep all these matters under review and my hon. Friend will know well that the role of a knife in the commission of criminal offences is already reflected in the criminal justice sentencing rules. For example, the starting point for a murder that is committed with a knife that is brought to a scene is considerably higher than it is in other circumstances. We also wish to ensure that knives do not get into prisons, which is why, as part of our £100 million security investment programme, we have funded enhanced gate security in 42 high-risk prison sites. On the issue of sentencing, we keep all matters under review, and I would be happy to discuss that with my hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked for an increase in sentences for supplying knives to juveniles; however, no specific commitment is made regarding this sentence increase.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Steve Reed Labour (Co-op) Streatham and Croydon North
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP congratulates Dame Sue Carr on her appointment and then questions the Government's decision to allow a Russian mercenary boss to bypass sanctions. He asks why the British Government sided with this individual over journalists.

Question

May I add my congratulations to Dame Sue Carr on her historic appointment?<br/>When he was Chancellor, the current Prime Minister let the murderous boss of Russia's mercenary Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, bypass sanctions so that he could abuse our courts to silence a British journalist who was exposing his crimes. Why did the British Government side with this Russian war criminal over the British press?

Answer from Alex Chalk

No, no, no—that is to completely misrepresent the situation. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have one of the most robust systems of sanctions; whether in an individual case money can be released is at the discretion of an arm's length body. Of course the Chancellor was not seeking to do that, and to suggest that, I am afraid, is discreditable.

How: Discreditable

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Q3 Steve Reed Labour (Co-op) Streatham and Croydon North
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP questions the effectiveness of the proposed economic crime Bill reforms in preventing wealthy tax dodgers from silencing journalists in court.

Question

What is disappointing is that the Government's proposed reforms in the economic crime Bill would still allow warlords to use these tactics to silence journalists in the British courts, but there is another area of concern as well. Will the Secretary of State confirm—because this is an area of doubt—whether the reforms he is proposing would prevent wealthy tax dodgers from silencing journalists in court, as the right hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi) threatened to do when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Answer from Alex Chalk

I hope the hon. Gentleman will join me in welcoming the measures on SLAPPs, because it is very important to ensure that those people do not use their financial advantage to try to snuff out freedom of speech, legitimate investigative journalism and all the things we want to see in a free and fair society. By common consent, the measures we are introducing will make a very significant difference. We remain open to going further and to considering further matters, but we need to take it in stages. We are looking to manage the balance between freedom of speech and people's right to access justice. These are important steps and have been widely welcomed, so it is right to see how they bed in.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for specific confirmation on preventing wealthy individuals from silencing journalists; the response did not directly confirm or deny this point.

How: Open To Further Matters

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Q4 Henry Smith Con
Culture, Media & Sport Children & Families
Context

The MP raises concern about internet trolls who encourage self-harm among children and young people.

Question

What measures is my right hon. Friend taking to protect children and young people from vile internet trolls who seek to encourage them to self-harm?

Answer from Edward Argar

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight this issue. We yesterday tabled an amendment to the Online Safety Bill that would create a new offence of encouraging or assisting serious self-harm, whether by verbal or electronic communications, publication or correspondence. That fills a gap in the law and, together with the broader regulatory measures in the Bill, it will help to protect people from such content. It remains our intention, however, when parliamentary time allows, to expand the offence to cover encouragement or assistance given by means other than such communications, which are currently out of scope of the Bill.

Answered
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Q5 Alison Thewliss SNP
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP refers to a lobby by Anyone's Child, which calls for reform in the UK's drug laws and seeks support from Justice Ministers.

Question

Anyone's Child has a mass lobby of Parliament today, calling for reform of the UK's failed and outdated drugs laws. Will a Justice Minister be meeting anybody from Anyone's Child to hear their case for supporting, not punishing, those who take drugs and their families?

Answer from Alex Chalk

I do not have plans to do so, I confess, but if the hon. Lady is to have those conversations, I invite her to consider writing to me afterwards; if there are matters we can take up, I would be happy to do so.

How: No Plans, Write To Me

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Q6 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

The MP questions the Government's reluctance to derogate from the European convention on human rights in dealing with migration issues, specifically citing the example of RAF Scampton.

Question

And so another migration Bill winds its way slowly out of the House of Lords, and when it becomes law, an army of human rights lawyers will try to frustrate it. Will the Government reflect that, if only we had had the courage to get out with a derogation from the European convention on human rights and the refugee convention, we might have solved the small boats crisis two years ago? Now my constituents are victims of that, because the Government want to put 2,000 migrants in RAF Scampton, and the same human rights lawyers in the Refugee Council will oppose it on the grounds that it is inhumane to put them next to hangars ridden with asbestos. Why do we not just get out of the convention?

Answer from Alex Chalk

No one is a more doughty defender of the people in his constituency who are concerned about matters relating to Scampton than my right hon. Friend. This is principally a Home Office matter, as he knows, but the points he has made will have reverberated not just in this Chamber but, I am sure, all the way down the road to Marsham Street.

How: Home Office Matter, Reverberated

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Q7 David Linden SNP
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

Employment discrimination affects returning citizens after prison, hindering their integration into society.

Question

One way of reducing reoffending is to ensure that returning citizens can get into employment when they leave prison. Given that a number of former prisoners experience employment discrimination, is it not time to ban the box?

Answer from Alex Chalk

We have already taken important steps to recalibrate disclosures so that they have to take place only when absolutely necessary, but a prisoner who gets into employment is 10% less likely to commit an offence. The proportion of offenders in employment six months after release has doubled in the past year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific request for banning the box was not addressed

How: We Have Taken Steps, But Did Not Address The Specific Ask

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Q8 Karl McCartney Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The Minister previously provided an update on Crown courts. Magistrates and staff need an update on their situation.

Question

Earlier, the Minister was asked about the backlog of criminal court cases and answered at length regarding Crown courts. On behalf of magistrates and magistrates court staff, can we have an update on the situation with magistrates courts?

Answer from Mike Freer

The magistrates have continued to make good progress in reducing the backlog, and that is a testament to the work they do on our behalf.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific details about backlog reduction provided

How: Hedging Language Used

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Q9 Paula Barker Lab Liverpool Wavertree
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

Recent restructuring and staff shortages are affecting probation services, leading to retention issues.

Question

According to probation unions, recent restructure and staff shortages are making it extremely difficult to keep tabs on some of the most dangerous individuals in our society. Probation workers are struggling under pressure. Why are calls for immediate Government intervention being ignored by the Department, and will the Minister sit down with probation unions this week?

Answer from Damian Hinds

The work that our probation service does is incredibly important. We have been focusing particularly on recruiting into probation and exceeded targets of 4,000 new recruits over the past couple of years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask for meeting with unions not addressed directly

How: Hedging Language Used

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Q10 Jacob Rees-Mogg Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The Somerset coroner's office has a poor performance with waiting times increasing from 23 weeks to 31 weeks, affecting individual constituents.

Question

I wonder what conversations the Lord Chancellor can have with the Chief Coroner about the poor performance of the Somerset coroner's office. That involves worse things for individual constituents. Mrs Deborah Cox has been waiting nearly four years for an answer. What can be done?

Answer from Mike Freer

My right hon. Friend has shown great interest in the work of coroners. They have judicial independence, but I am more than happy to raise his concerns with the Chief Coroner to see if any specific issues in Somerset are causing concern.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not addressed directly

How: Hedging Language Used

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Q11 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Justice & Courts Housing
Context

MOJ data shows that the community accommodation service tier 3 programme has had no meaningful impact on reducing homelessness for people leaving prison.

Question

People who are released from prison into homelessness are much more likely to reoffend. Why does the Minister think the scheme is failing, and what will the Government do to fix it?

Answer from Damian Hinds

What the hon. Gentleman said is just not the case. By February of this year, the tier 3 accommodation had already supported more than 5,000 people who would otherwise leave prison without a home.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for failure and plans to fix it not provided

How: Denial Of The Problem

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Q12 Andy Carter
Justice & Courts
Context

The Minister previously mentioned progress in magistrates courts. Additional sentencing powers granted to magistrates were paused.

Question

Further to the Minister's comments about the progress made in magistrates courts, will he update the House on the decision to pause the additional sentencing powers? Does he agree that restoring those powers could free up about 1,700 extra Crown court sitting days each year?

Answer from Mike Freer

The change in sentencing powers was no reflection on the magistrates. The Department continues to keep the sentencing powers under review, and issues raised with his local bench are being progressed through the Department.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific decision not addressed directly

How: Hedging Language Used

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Q13 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

A constituent was told by the Crown Prosecution Service that they did not know whether her case would be called on a given day.

Question

An officer from the Crown Prosecution Service told my constituent, who is a victim of domestic abuse, that they do not know if the case will be called that day. Will the Secretary of State investigate such unacceptable practices?

Answer from Alex Chalk

The hon. Lady is right; people should have the opportunity to see justice done, and there are mechanisms like the victim's right to review if they want to say to the CPS, 'Look again at this.' There is also the opportunity for court familiarisation visits or special measures applications.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific investigation not promised

How: Hedging Language Used

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Q14 Jonathan Gullis
Justice & Courts
Context

Claire, the mother of Sharlotte-Sky who was tragically killed by John Owen due to drink and drugs, waited over a year for her day in court. The current law allows blood samples to be taken without consent but testing requires defendant's consent.

Question

I am concerned about Claire's situation where she had to wait over a year after losing her daughter Sharlotte-Sky to get justice due to the lack of mandatory blood sample testing when someone is driving under influence and causes death. Will the Lord Chancellor support my campaign for Sharlotte's law?

Answer from Alex Chalk

My hon. Friend has been a doughty champion on this issue and he continues to raise it. I suggest that he and I have a conversation in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for backing Sharlotte's law was not addressed

How: I Suggest That He And I Have A Conversation In Due Course

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Q15 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Justice & Courts
Context

A constituent reported being raped over 14 months ago. The perpetrator had filmed the rape, but the police still have not provided a day in court.

Question

My constituent was raped and the perpetrator filmed it 14 months ago. She has been waiting for justice since then as the police are still processing her case. Could you tell me how long my constituent might expect to wait?

Answer from Edward Argar

The hon. Lady will appreciate that I am unable to comment on the specifics of a case, and it would probably be inappropriate to do so in the Chamber.

Not addressed: Did not provide any information about expected wait time for justice

How: I Am Unable To Comment On The Specifics Of A Case, Inappropriate To Do So In The Chamber

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Q16 James Sunderland
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Organised gangs are engaging in violent shoplifting, costing retailers billions. The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) Act 2021 has been enacted in Scotland.

Question

Waitrose is based in my constituency. Organised retail crime gangs cost retailers billions and often involve violence against workers using weapons. Can we look at the Scottish act to possibly implement similar protections for England?

Answer from Alex Chalk

First, increasing police officers means more resource to ensure that criminals are brought to justice. Secondly, I am proud we have doubled the maximum sentence for assaulting emergency workers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the request to look at Scotland's provisions

How: First Point About Increasing Police Officers, Second Point About Doubling Sentences

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Q17 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence are concerned about victim blaming in the criminal justice system.

Question

Several victims of domestic abuse have reported facing victim blaming. What steps is the Department taking to tackle this issue?

Answer from Edward Argar

Significant work is under way across the system, including Operation Soteria which focuses investigations on suspects rather than victims' credibility.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps beyond general statement about ongoing work

How: Significant Work Is Under Way, Operation Soteria

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Q18 Bob Neill Con
Context

Concerns about modernising human rights law while adhering to the convention on human rights.

Question

Will the Government update and modernise our human rights laws as necessary, remaining in adherence to the convention?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Yes, we remain committed to a human rights framework up-to-date and fit for purpose. We have taken action on specific issues through various bills.

Answered
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Q19 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Justice & Courts
Context

Rhianon Bragg, a victim of hostage situation by her ex-partner, has faced multiple errors and omissions in her treatment. A parole hearing is upcoming.

Question

Rhianon Bragg has experienced catastrophic failings in the criminal justice system. Will the Secretary of State review this case in full and conduct an audit from a victim's perspective?

Answer from Alex Chalk

I am afraid that I did not get the first part of the right hon. Lady's question, but if she writes to me, I will come back to her.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific request for a review and audit

How: I Did Not Get The First Part Of Your Question, If She Writes To Me

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Q20 Rob Butler
Justice & Courts
Context

Aylesbury Prison has transformed from a young offenders institution to a category C adult jail. There is a challenge with psychoactive substances like spice.

Question

I recently visited Aylesbury Prison where I was impressed by the work done transforming it. One issue is the prevalence of psychoactive drugs such as spice. What progress is being made on combating this substance?

Answer from Damian Hinds

I am grateful for the interest and using experience across the system. Investment has been made in drug trace machines, now over 100 are installed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific progress on combating spice beyond mentioning investment

How: Grateful For Interest, Investment In Drug Trace Machines

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Q21 Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central
Justice & Courts
Context

The community in Reading hopes that the Ministry of Justice will convert Reading jail into an arts hub instead of selling it to a commercial developer. The sale is progressing, but details are commercially sensitive.

Question

I am concerned about the Ministry of Justice trying to sell Reading jail to a commercial developer for some time now, despite community wishes for it to become an arts hub. Can you update me on that sale and will you meet with me and constituents regarding this matter?

Answer from Damian Hinds

I have met with the hon. Gentleman and my right hon. Friend the Member for Reading West regarding this issue. A sale is progressing, and assurances from solicitors will be required along with due diligence. I am willing to discuss further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about converting the jail into an arts hub, but this was not addressed.

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Q22 Mike Amesbury Lab
Justice & Courts
Context

Louise and her family are facing delays in the local coroner's service, which is a recurring issue.

Question

Louise and her family are experiencing significant delays with the local coroner's service. This seems to be happening frequently. What more can Ministers do to expedite this process?

Answer from Mike Freer

As coroners are independent judicial office holders, we raise particular cases to identify issues holding back those cases. The hon. Gentleman should write to me with case details so I can ask the Chief Coroner to investigate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner requested more action from Ministers but was told to report specific cases for investigation without a clear plan for system-wide improvements.

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Q23 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
Context

Inquest and 40 other organisations are launching a campaign to establish a national oversight mechanism to systematically learn lessons from inquests, inquiries, and investigations.

Question

Today, Inquest and 40 organisations launch a campaign for a national oversight mechanism. Do the Government support this initiative?

Answer from Mike Freer

I am willing to look at specific proposals to improve inquests and inquiries. My door is open for detailed discussions on this matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner requested a clear stance from the government but received an offer to discuss without commitment.

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Q24 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Justice & Courts
Context

The questioner enquires about the role of youth justice agencies at an early stage to prevent repeated court dates and promote reparation and rehabilitation.

Question

Does the Minister believe there should be a greater role for youth justice agencies to intervene earlier, reducing the need for multiple court appearances by facilitating agreements on reparation and rehabilitation?

Answer from Alex Chalk

The hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. Reparation can be appropriate, but it is case-specific. Some victims seek peace and closure through meetings with defendants, while others do not want that interaction at all. Over the past decade, the number of children in custody has decreased, indicating a shift towards diverting people from custody.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner requested specific support for early intervention but received an explanation on case-specific approaches without commitment to changing practices.

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