Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 10 September 2024 · 22 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

  • Olivia Bailey (Reading West and Mid Berkshire) (Labour) asked if the Government had contracted specific hotels for potential use by early release prisoners, to which the response was that probation directors have been authorised to make appropriate provision if needed.
  • Edward Argar (Melton and Syston) (Conservative) asked if the Secretary of State would be open and transparent with the House, local authorities, and the public about the details of early release prisoners, to which the response was a confirmation of openness and transparency.
  • Jessica Asato (Lowestoft) (Labour) asked if the victim contact scheme would be extended to all survivors of domestic abuse following the release of prisoners under emergency measures, to which the response was that certain offences linked to domestic abuse have been excluded from early release, and efforts are ongoing to improve communication with victims.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Olivia Bailey Lab Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Justice & Courts
Context

The prison system is at a point of collapse, necessitating immediate action. The government has taken measures to address the situation.

Question

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. I welcome the Secretary of State's commitment to building new prisons and driving down reoffending. Does she agree that such transparency is a significant departure from the approach of the previous Government, who released thousands of prisoners early in secret?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that it is a significant departure from the approach of the previous Government, who introduced an early release scheme—the end of custody supervised licence scheme—that operated under a veil of secrecy, with no data ever published on the numbers released. It took our Government to publish the data showing that more than 10,000 offenders were released under that scheme. I am pleased to say today that we have ended that scheme.

Answered
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Q2 Olivia Bailey Lab Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Justice & Courts
Context

The government has taken measures to address the prison crisis, including allowing certain offenders to leave prison earlier. The questioner inquires about specific arrangements for these released prisoners.

Question

I am grateful to the Secretary of State for her previous answers on substantive questions about accommodation for prisoners released early. Have the Government contracted any specific hotels for potential use by early release prisoners?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I have authorised probation directors in areas to make appropriate provision, if that proves to be needed—at this point, it is not definite that it will be required—to ensure that there is no gap in provision for offenders being released under the SDS40 scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids addressing whether specific hotels have been contracted, focusing on potential future arrangements if needed.

How: If That Proves To Be Needed, At This Point, It Is Not Definite

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Q3 Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston
Justice & Courts
Context

The government has implemented measures for early release of prisoners, including provisions for their accommodation. The questioner seeks assurance on transparency regarding these arrangements.

Question

Further to the point made by the hon. Member for Reading West and Mid Berkshire (Olivia Bailey), will she be open and transparent with the House, local authorities and the public about how many, at what point and, in broad terms, where they will be located?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

Yes, I will.

Not addressed: The answer does not provide any specific commitment or details about the transparency of arrangements.

How: Yes, I Will.

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Q4 Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

There is concern about the number of domestic abuse cases referred from police to CPS, which has increased but remains below previous levels. The questioner highlights delays in these referrals.

Question

Every 30 seconds, a domestic abuse-related call is made to the police. It is positive to see that the number of domestic abuse cases referred from the police to the CPS has increased, but those numbers are still well below the level seen over the past five years. Will the Secretary of State address the delays in domestic abuse referrals from the police to the CPS and acknowledge the unique risks they pose?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

As I have stated, this Government were elected with a landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. To do so, we must improve the justice system's response to these crimes, including domestic abuse. We must relentlessly target the most prolific and harmful perpetrators, better support victims and survivors, and ensure timely and effective justice. We will put domestic abuse experts in 999 control rooms and strengthen the use of protection orders, and we will strengthen the tools available to manage domestic abuse offenders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not directly address delays or unique risks but commits to improving responses overall.

How: We Must Improve The Justice System'S Response, To Do So, We Must Target Perpetrators

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Q5 Lee Dillon Lib Dem Newbury
Justice & Courts
Context

There is concern about potential court backlogs delaying justice for victims of the Grenfell fire. The questioner seeks reassurance regarding swift justice.

Question

Could the Minister give us and the victims reassurance that the criminal justice system will not further delay justice for those victims?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

As I said to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr Kohler), we will do everything we can to ensure swift justice for the victims of Grenfell. We plan for the Crown court to sit for at least 105,000 days this financial year, and we will do more to increase the speed with which cases are heard in the Crown court.

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Q6 Joe Powell Lab Kensington and Bayswater
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The government has implemented an early release scheme which will be reviewed after 18 months. The questioner seeks a firm commitment regarding the continuation or termination of this scheme.

Question

Will she go further and commit to ending it then, and if not, to returning to this House for a fresh vote on it?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I have committed to the review, because that is the appropriate way, and I will not make early promises that might not be kept. I have committed to both transparency and a review. We will publish all the data on a quarterly basis and I will return to the House with the results of the review and the approach that we will take at that point.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids committing to ending the scheme but agrees to transparency and review.

How: I Will Not Make Early Promises

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Q7 Bradley Thomas Con Bromsgrove
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Victims of sexual assault may face challenges in accessing support services, especially if they do not report their attack to the police. The questioner seeks improvements and discussions on accessibility.

Question

What can we do to improve the accessibility of support services for those victims of sexual assault who do not report it to the police? Will she meet me to discuss this case further?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The victims code sets out the services and support that victims of crime are entitled to receive from the criminal justice system in England and Wales. That includes the right to access support, which applies regardless of whether they decide to report the crime to the police. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer discusses general principles but avoids specific measures for improving accessibility.

How: That Includes The Right To Access Support

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Q8 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Justice & Courts NHS
Context

There are increasing drug-related deaths in Scotland. The questioner asks for government action to improve treatment of drug addicts in the criminal justice system.

Question

Will the Government discuss how drug addicts are treated in the criminal justice system and look at ways of improving that to tackle the issue, and perhaps move towards safer consumption?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

The hon. Member is right that drugs in prison is a big issue that the Government are working hard to tackle. I would be very happy to write to her with further details of what we are doing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the issue but avoids specific commitments or details.

How: I Would Be Very Happy To Write

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Q9 Jessica Asato Lab Lowestoft
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The government is implementing emergency measures to address prison overcrowding by releasing prisoners early, but not all domestic abuse perpetrators can be excluded from the scheme.

Question

Today marks the release of the first tranche of prisoners under the Government's emergency measures. While some domestic abuse offenders have been excluded, others will still be released. The questioner asks if the Secretary of State will extend the victim contact scheme to all survivors of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, regardless of sentence length.

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The Government has excluded certain offences often linked to domestic abuse from early release. The victim contact scheme is available for victims where offenders are sentenced to 12 months or more in custody, and efforts are ongoing to improve communication with victims.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically addressing extension of the victim contact scheme

How: Acknowledging Current Measures Without Committing To Extending The Scheme

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Q10 Steffan Aquarone Lib Dem North Norfolk
Justice & Courts
Context

The court backlog stands at nearly 68,000 cases, yet the Government plans to cap the number of sitting days in courts below last year's levels.

Question

With a significant backlog, why are the Government planning to reduce the number of sitting days in our courts?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

The Crown court will sit for more than 105,000 days this financial year, an increase of 28% on pre-pandemic levels. The inherited system is under strain due to previous government policies and the current economic situation.

Not addressed: Planned reduction in court sitting days

How: Pointing To Past Government'S Issues

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Q11 Henry Tufnell Lab Mid and South Pembrokeshire
Justice & Courts Parliamentary Procedure
Context

There are no local solicitors' firms in Pembrokeshire offering pro bono work, making it difficult for constituents to access legal advice.

Question

With no local solicitors providing pro bono services and the nearest free legal advice centre far away, what steps is the Minister taking to address legal deserts in rural areas like Pembrokeshire?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

The Government recognises the importance of access to justice and is modernising services. The Minister is willing to meet the hon. Friend to discuss improvements for rural communities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures addressing legal deserts in Pembrokeshire

How: Offering To Meet, No Concrete Steps

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Q12 Monica Harding Lib Dem Esher and Walton
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

A significant proportion of prisoners released early have a history of domestic abuse, raising concerns for victims.

Question

What reassurances can the Secretary of State give to domestic abuse victims who fear the early release of their perpetrators?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

Every measure has been taken to exclude relevant offences and allow time for the probation service to prepare. Release plans are being ensured, and victims will be notified as usual.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reassurances about victim safety upon release

How: Mentioning Measures Taken Without Concrete Assurances

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Q13 Ben Goldsborough Lab South Norfolk
Justice & Courts Standards & Ethics
Context

A widow was prosecuted for £3.34 after her car tax expired, highlighting issues with the single justice procedure.

Question

Will the Minister meet to discuss reforming the single justice procedure to ensure better oversight and accountability?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

The Minister is keen to keep under review how to support vulnerable defendants and improve oversight of organisations using the single justice procedure. A meeting with the hon. Friend is welcomed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete reforms in single justice procedure

How: Offering To Meet, No Specific Commitments

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Q14 Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

47% of women are released from prison without settled accommodation, raising concerns about family break-up and further exploitation.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure safe and stable accommodation is provided for all women leaving prison?

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

The Prison and Probation Service is working with partners across regions to provide appropriate accommodation, and a meeting with the hon. Member would be welcomed to discuss further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for securing stable accommodation

How: Offering To Meet, No Specific Measures

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Q15 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

Charities supporting survivors of sexual abuse are dependent on uncertain funding, making it hard to leverage additional funds.

Question

When will the vital funding for rape and abuse support services be announced? Will the Minister meet to discuss this?

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The hon. Friend's work in supporting victims is recognised, but it would be premature to pre-empt decisions during the spending review. A meeting is welcomed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific funding announcement timing

How: Referring To Spending Review

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Q16 Manuela Perteghella Lib Dem Stratford-on-Avon
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

The question addresses measures to support survivors, including training prosecutors on trauma impact.

Question

Will the Secretary of State ensure that measures are put in place in the criminal justice system to support survivors of violence against women and girls, including mandatory training for prosecutors on understanding the impact of trauma on survivors and the release of court transcripts for free for victims of rape?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

The hon. Lady may know that we currently offer free transcripts of judges' sentencing remarks to families of victims of fatal road offences, murder and manslaughter. In May, we extended free transcripts of sentencing remarks to victims of rape and serious sexual offences, in a year-long pilot. We will continue to look at how we can lower the costs of obtaining a court transcript.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Mandatory training for prosecutors on trauma impact

How: We Will Continue To Look At How We Can Lower The Costs Of Obtaining A Court Transcript

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Q17 Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Former clients pursued for adverse legal costs after defective cavity wall insulation installation; Solicitors Regulatory Authority investigating.

Question

Will the Secretary of State review the situation urgently, including establishing a cross-Government working group on the matter?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

I am aware from correspondence that I have received, as the Member of Parliament for Swindon South, that there are significant concerns about the collapse of law firms such as SSB Solicitors, Axiom Law and McClure. As my hon. Friend said, the Solicitors Regulation Authority is looking at this, as is the Legal Services Board, and I shall be happy to speak to her further to provide an update.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Establishing a cross-Government working group

How: I Shall Be Happy To Speak To Her Further To Provide An Update

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Q18 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Justice & Courts
Context

Andrew Malkinson's case took 17 years to overturn despite DNA evidence being available from the fourth year; concerns about resources, regulation, management of CCRC.

Question

Has the Minister any intention of addressing the resources, regulation and management of the CCRC to ensure that innocent people are not left incarcerated for many years?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

What happened to Mr Malkinson is appalling, both for him and for the victim of the crime. It is vital that lessons are learned. As the right hon. Gentleman will know, following the publication of the Henley review of the CCRC's handling of Mr Malkinson's case, the Lord Chancellor's view is that the current chair is unfit to fulfil her duties. As for resources, the amount that the CCRC has received in recent years has risen, and we will continue to keep that under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Addressing regulation and management of the CCRC

How: We Will Continue To Keep That Under Review

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Q19 Will Stone Lab Swindon North
Justice & Courts
Context

Basic maintenance problems with buildings contribute to backlogs; Swindon court closed due to fire.

Question

What investment is being made in courts in places such as Swindon to ensure that justice can be delivered swiftly?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

I am very pleased to be responding to a fellow Swindon Member, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving me the chance to mention our home town during my first ministerial outing. I should add that I am also grateful to local judiciary court staff and justice stakeholders for their work in maintaining justice during that incident in Swindon. As the Lord Chancellor said earlier, ensuring that buildings are maintained effectively is critical to the delivery of justice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific investment details

How: As The Lord Chancellor Said Earlier, Ensuring That Buildings Are Maintained Effectively Is Critical To The Delivery Of Justice

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Q20 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Justice & Courts
Context

Probation Service lacks enough tags; constituent's abusive husband released without tagging, entered restricted village.

Question

Will the Secretary of State please respond to my letter about my constituent, who feels extremely vulnerable? Will she also confirm that there are enough tags and that in cases such as this there will be not just a verbal warning but remedial repercussions?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I am not aware of the correspondence to which the hon. Lady has referred, but I will chase it up and ensure that she receives a comprehensive response.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Comprehensive enforcement measures for tagging violations

How: I Will Chase It Up And Ensure That She Receives A Comprehensive Response

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Q21 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
Context

Substantial backlogs, lack of family representation, erratic use of prevention reports.

Question

Will the Secretary of State consider reforms to deal with these problems? If she needs ideas, there is a very good report from the Justice Committee.

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

I concur: there is an excellent report from the Committee, to which the Government will respond in due course. I am well aware of some of the issues with the coroners and reporting deaths for bereaved families and I should be delighted to discuss them further with my hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete reforms or deadlines

How: I Should Be Delighted To Discuss Them Further With My Hon. Friend

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Q22 Helen Whately Con Faversham and Mid Kent
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Catapult use increasing to injure or kill livestock and pets.

Question

Will the Minister responsible for such matters agree to meet me to discuss how we can deter these people and stop their use of catapults to kill?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I suspect that that may be a matter for my colleagues in the Home Office, but I will happily liaise with the relevant Minister and ensure that the hon. Lady receives a response.

Not addressed: Meeting to discuss deterrent measures against catapult misuse

How: I Suspect That That May Be A Matter For My Colleagues In The Home Office

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