Topical Questions

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I think Members from all parties need a reminder about the form in this House for oral questions, Mr Speaker. Since the last Justice questions, I have launched an independent review of sentencing which will ensure space for dangerous offenders in prisons and expand use of punishment outside prisons to prevent early prisoner release. The Government have also introduced their first Budget with £850 million additional funding for the Ministry of Justice.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I am shocked to hear about the extent of the delay in the case of the right hon. Gentleman's constituent and welcome him to write to me with specific details so I can ensure he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.

Answer from Heidi Alexander

The Government are committed to reducing Crown court caseloads. To relieve pressure at Ipswich, cases are being sent to Cambridge and nationally, sitting days have increased to 106,500 from what was agreed by the previous Lord Chancellor.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

The independent Crown Prosecution Service makes charging decisions. The Home Secretary and I have introduced a presumption of anonymity for all firearms officers if they find themselves being charged by the CPS. We believe this measure could have made a difference in Sergeant Blake's case.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

We do not comment on cases that are sub judice. Charging decisions are independent for the Crown Prosecution Service, which ultimately decides what charges to bring. Investigations and charging decisions should be done independently without Government interference.

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The Government are providing £41 million of ringfenced funding for ISVAs and IDVAs this financial year. Settlement figures by the police and crime commissioner will be confirmed by the beginning of December, and I would love to visit Savana in Stoke-on-Trent.

Answer from Heidi Alexander

The Government recognise difficulties parents and guardians face in accessing child trust fund savings for young people who lack mental capacity. The issue was recently discussed with a colleague, and the Government will consider what can be done to simplify this process while safeguarding those who lack capacity.

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

The right to protest is an important part of our democracy, but it has to be exercised within the law. Sentencing in individual cases is, of course, a matter for independent courts.

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his very important question. He is right: all parts of this country—all our nations—are experiencing an epidemic of violence against women and girls. We have already spoken about the 16 days of action, which will highlight what we can all do to stand against this abhorrent crime. I am working with my counterparts across all the devolved nations on how we tackle violence against women and girls. I will bring forward more information in due course.

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

The Government inherited a record and rising court backlog which has seen far too many victims and survivors waiting too long for justice. Decisions on case listing are a matter for the independent judiciary, who, when possible, look to prioritise cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses. We are committed to bearing down on the caseload to speed up the delivery of justice for all victims.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I have been lobbied by the same group in the west midlands. I will certainly look at the representations that have been made.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I am very sorry to hear about the circumstances facing my hon. Friend's constituent's sibling in prison. We are determined to make more progress with IPP prisoners, but never in a way that compromises public protection. If my hon. Friend writes to the Department with the specifics of the case, I will ensure that he receives a response.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

It is incumbent on Members to ensure that such a perception does not take hold and not to inappropriately compare sentences handed out in different types of cases. As the hon. Gentleman well knows and every Member of this House should know, sentences in individual cases are a matter for the independent judges who hear those cases; the trials unfold in front of them.

Answer from Heidi Alexander

As my hon. Friend will know, we are doing everything we can to bear down on the Crown court caseload, including extending magistrates' sentencing powers. The Budget also confirmed 106,500 sitting days for this year.

Answer from Heidi Alexander

I understand why the hon. Lady raises that issue, but transcripts must be 100% accurate. They are legal documents, so “good enough” simply does not cut it. I will review what technology is available, and I am happy to keep her updated.

Answer from Nicholas Dakin

My hon. Friend is right: the quality of prison education must continually improve if we are to achieve the best possible rehabilitation outcomes.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that all the data that was published under the previous Government will continue to be published by ours.

Answer from Heidi Alexander

Some cases are eligible for legal aid under exceptional case funding. If my hon. Friend writes to me with the details of the case, I will come back to him with any advice that I can offer.

Answer from Alex Davies-Jones

Sadly, family courts are often used to re-traumatise victims of domestic abuse. The Government are alive to that fact, and we are rolling out our pathfinder pilot for a child-centred approach.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

We will spend more this year on building the prison places that the last Government failed to deliver, and we have launched our landmark sentencing review.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

Drugs getting into prison is a huge issue, and I am very aware of the issues at Garth. The Minister with responsibility for prisons will meet the governors to think about how to deal with those problems in the medium and long term.

Answer from Heidi Alexander

We will publish our response to the 'Crime Lower' consultation within weeks, anticipate publishing the CLAAB report at that stage, and some documents on civil legal aid before year-end.