Topical Questions

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities including updates from the Lord Chancellor's absence and the case of Daniel Khalife.

Question

With Government spending for housing legal aid falling in the past decade, what recent analysis has the Minister made of legal aid deserts and what steps is he taking to remedy the situation?

Question

What conversations has the Minister had across government to make sure that the sentencing for those convicted of dangerous cycling is equalised with the sentencing guidelines for those convicted of dangerous driving?

Question

Why have the Government failed to act after years of warnings about HMP Wandsworth?

Question

How many prisoners will have to be moved across the prison estate as a result of this escape?

Question

Will my right hon. Friend consider the introduction of escalating penalties for repeat traffic offences?

Question

Is it not time to free up space by removing Julian Assange from Belmarsh maximum security facility? Will the Minister ensure that he is able to attend proceedings in person?

Question

I have a constituent who suffered life-changing injuries as a result of an assault eight years ago, and she was awarded only £150 from a compensation order during the criminal case and offered £1,000 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Will the Minister look at amending the Victims and Prisoners Bill so that victims can be given adequate care, compensation from offenders and support through the courts and, importantly, through the CICA?

Question

One of my constituents tells me that they are at risk of losing their home because of how long they have had to wait for a benefit decision appeal. Will the Minister outline what steps his Department is taking to reduce the current 33-week waiting time for benefit decision appeals to be heard?

Question

Parliament passed a law in 2015 that offenders convicted of a second or subsequent knife offence should go to prison, yet in the year to March, 16,000 such offenders—37% of the total—dodged a jail sentence altogether. That is the highest total since the law was introduced. Will Ministers ensure that the courts now hand down the sentences legislated for in this House eight years ago?

Question

I have a number of constituents whose asylum appeals were allowed by courts and tribunals service, but have now been thrust into limbo while the case goes back to the Home Office for approval. What conversations have Ministers had with their Home Office colleagues on clearing the backlog that is preventing my constituents from getting on with their lives?

Question

What review, if any, has the Department carried out to ensure that when courts extend bail, they ensure that the police are dealing with their investigations diligently and expeditiously?

Question

Is it not the case that last-minute cancellations in magistrates courts are largely caused by the inability to recruit and retain legal advisers? What steps will the Minister take to ensure an increase in wages and better terms and conditions for those legal advisers?

Question

May I put it to Ministers that the nine-month wait for granting simple probate is unfair on people trying to sell their parents' home? Will Ministers please sort it out?

Question

Last month the United Nations called for an urgent Government review of sentences of imprisonment for public protection. Will the Secretary of State listen to the UN? Can he explain why the number of people with an IPP sentence recalled to prison without committing any further offence has soared in recent years?

Question

I am concerned about the rehabilitation of offenders, which is important in reducing crime after release from prison. Could you outline any schemes that help them get skills and access companies willing to give them a second chance?

Question

I have written to the Secretary of State regarding my constituent Gregg McGuire. Does his Department have any plans to reassess current rules which prevent victims' families from appealing sentences for those convicted of causing death by careless driving?

Question

It is six months since I finally secured a meeting about section 4 of my Act. The law passed by this House in February 2019 and with consultation closed in June 2019 was promised to be published imminently but nothing has happened. Is it ever going to happen?

Question

The scale of the illegal drugs problem in prisons was such that five years ago, the Government introduced a programme that cost £100 million. Has the problem got worse or improved since?

Question

Members of the public and media only take interest in prisons when there is an escape. Will my right hon Friend join me in hoping to see a calm and measured public debate about the role of prisons, not least working out ways to improve rehabilitation?

Question

More than 10,000 women have signed a letter to the Prime Minister about threats and intimidation against women standing up for their rights. Many are concerned that institutions supposed to protect them are failing. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of those who organised the letter to discuss this important issue?

Question

I would like to pay tribute to the campaigners who challenged joint enterprise. As a result, the Crown Prosecution Service has now committed to monitor prosecutions. I welcome the report at the end of this month, but will the Minister commit to an audit of all joint enterprise convictions, particularly as more black people are disproportionately impacted?

Question

I would like to pay tribute to campaigners challenging joint enterprise, resulting in the CPS commitment to monitor who is prosecuted. Will the Minister commit to an audit of all joint enterprise convictions, particularly as more black people are disproportionately impacted?

Question

Is the Minister aware of the prevalence of the unfounded and unscientific concept of parental alienation in our family courts? It is causing suffering and, in some cases, violence against women and girls. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that the courts recognise the harm of this discredited concept?