Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question asks about the Justice Secretary's responsibilities and progress since the last parliamentary session.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Since the last Justice questions, the Victims and Courts Act 2026 and the Crime and Policing Act 2026 have received Royal Assent. In the Gracious Speech, His Majesty the King confirmed that we will proceed with the Courts and Tribunals Bill to address the Crown court backlog and deliver swifter justice for victims. We remain committed to a Hillsborough law to bring in a duty of candour for public service and rebuild confidence in the justice system.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific commitments or timelines beyond mentioning legislative actions and royal assent.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Cornwall faces significant legal aid deserts due to rurality and transport issues. The Law Society reports that one-third of domestic abuse survivors are forced to represent themselves in court because eligibility criteria often prevent them from accessing legal aid.
I am concerned about the ongoing legal aid deserts in Cornwall, exacerbated by geographical isolation and lack of transportation. According to the Law Society, a third of domestic abuse survivors have been compelled to self-represent due to stringent eligibility requirements that impede access to necessary support. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss raising the income threshold for the legal aid means test in line with inflation and removing the capital assets requirement entirely to ensure victims of economic abuse can seek justice?
It is crucial that those in need of legal aid, particularly rural communities and victims of domestic abuse, are able to access it. We collaborate with the market to address localized pressures through a combination of face-to-face, telephone, and remote advice services. I will ensure that a meeting takes place between the hon. Gentleman and the Minister.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting request was acknowledged but no commitment on specific changes to legal aid thresholds or asset requirements was provided.
Work With The Market
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Q3
Direct Answer
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A constituent's child was fatally stabbed five years ago, and since then, the perpetrator has repeatedly accessed social media from prison to torment the family. This issue affects other families as well.
I recently met a constituent whose child was murdered five years ago, with the killer subsequently accessing social media in prison to harass the victim's family. The same problem occurs for other constituents and their loved ones who have suffered similar losses. Is my right hon. Friend in agreement that this is entirely unacceptable? Will he review my constituent's case to ensure violent offenders cannot continue to threaten victims from behind bars?
I appreciate the issue raised by my hon. Friend. Prisoners are strictly prohibited from using social media under any circumstances and face penalties if they do. HMPS investigates all such cases. I recently visited a state-of-the-art digital forensics lab that examines phones for evidence to prosecute offenders.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Two recent marches in London saw one condemned by the Justice Secretary, while another anti-Israel march went unaddressed. Chants demanding intifada revolution and calls for attacks on British Jews were heard.
Why has the CPS refused to prosecute those chanting ' 'Globalise the intifada' when inciting violence against Jewish communities? Why won't the Justice Secretary change the law to ensure these people face justice?
Everyone inciting violence against Jewish communities in our country must face the full force of the law. The CPS updated its guidance on hate crimes on 5 May to ensure people face the law as they should.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about changing the law, but no specifics were given regarding legal changes.
Reassurance
Redirect
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Society of Media Lawyers, opposing reform of SLAPPs, has had significant access to Ministers and civil servants. This raises concerns about the ability of journalists, whistleblowers, and campaigners to speak freely without being silenced by the wealthy.
Will the Government introduce undiluted anti-SLAPP legislation to prevent misuse by the super-wealthy and powerful?
We cannot allow the rich and powerful to stop proper investigation. I will bring forward legislation as time allows.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline or content of the legislation was not provided.
Commitment To Action
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Changes to category D prisons allow early transfers despite exemptions for higher risk offenders, including those convicted of domestic violence and stalking. Victims fear the comfort that their abuser is behind bars.
Will the Minister meet me to discuss excluding domestic abusers and stalkers from early transfer to open prisons?
All prisoners, including those convicted of domestic violence and stalking offences, will move to an open prison only when assessed. I am happy to organise a meeting between the hon. Gentleman and the relevant Minister.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Vulnerable young people are often exploited by adults to run drugs and other contraband, leading to involvement in crime. The youth justice system is focusing on tackling root causes.
Will the Minister ensure that a new offence of child criminal exploitation is brought forward swiftly and robustly to target those responsible?
Nothing is more tragic than seeing young people from deprived backgrounds preyed on by adults. The offence will be brought forward as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or content was given for the new offence.
Commitment To Action
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
In 2017, Kendal magistrates court was closed with the promise of sittings continuing in other public buildings. Since 2020, there has not been a single sitting in Kendal.
Kendal magistrates court was outrageously closed in 2017, on the promise that sittings would continue in other public buildings in Kendal, yet there has not been a single sitting in Kendal since 2020. Will the Justice Secretary put this right urgently, so that that promise can be kept and local people can have reasonable access to justice?
The hon. Gentleman knows that the Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising caseload. He also knows that the last Government closed courts right across the country. We are legislating for structural reform. We are investing £2.78 billion to bring down the backlog. We will continue to look closely at the needs in Kendal, but he recognises that it will take some time to address what we inherited.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to urgent action or specific timeline for addressing the closure of Kendal magistrates court
Legislating For Structural Reform
It Will T [1D [K Take Some Time
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Q9
Direct Answer
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The Women's Aid annual audit highlights that nearly 80% of domestic abuse survivors now face tech-facilitated abuse and online stalking.
The latest Women's Aid annual audit highlights that nearly 80% of domestic abuse survivors now face devastating tech-facilitated abuse and online stalking. How will the Ministry of Justice collaborate across Government to ensure that our courts and prosecutors are fully equipped to tackle digital violence?
I thank my hon. Friend for her consistent efforts to raise the issue of online harms. Whether it is physical, verbal or online, abuse is abuse, and this Government are determined to tackle violence against women and girls online as well as off. We are making it illegal to take or make intimate images without consent, including deepfakes. Our new deletion orders will ensure that courts can require offenders convicted of intimate image offences to delete images of their victims. The VAWG strategy sets out our plan across Government to tackle digitally facilitated violence.
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Q10
Partial Answer
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Survivors of cross-border grooming are concerned that separate inquiries by the UK and Scottish Governments will not thoroughly investigate these crimes.
We know how grooming gangs regularly trafficked young, vulnerable girls across borders, but survivors of these appalling crimes are deeply concerned that the UK and Scottish Governments' separate inquiries will not investigate cross-border grooming gangs. What is the Minister doing to ensure that both the perpetrators of these horrific crimes and the institutions that failed the victims are properly held to account?
The hon. Member is right to raise this and has done so consistently. I meet justice counterparts from the devolved Governments regularly, and I will ensure that this issue is high on the agenda for our next meeting, because it is very important. There is a lot of good work happening in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. We need to ensure that it is joined up, to address that particular mischief, which is incredibly serious.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or timeline for addressing the issue of cross-border grooming gangs investigation
High On The Agenda
Joined Up
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Q11
Partial Answer
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The question arises from concerns raised by victims and families about the adequacy of support under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.
Can the Minister assure me and my constituents back home that the changes to the unduly lenient sentence scheme will ensure that victims of crime in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across the kingdom are better supported at every stage of the criminal justice system?
My hon. Friend is right to raise this. I am very proud that this Government have listened to victims. We have been able to modernise the unduly lenient sentence scheme by allowing an out-of-time route for victims and bereaved family members to refer sentences outside the 7-day limit.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for assurance was not directly addressed; only changes made were outlined without providing a clear commitment.
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns the Government's plan to recruit additional magistrates, as indicated in their impact assessment.
If the Government are determined to go down the route of curtailing trial by jury, will they commit not to change any of the rules around trial by jury until they have recruited 7,000 magistrates over three years?
Magistrates play a hugely important role. I was sad that they were cut back under the previous Government. There used to be about 29,000. We need a new generation of magistrates, and I want them to come from all backgrounds.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a commitment on rule changes was not addressed; instead, the answerer focused on the importance of recruiting magistrates generally.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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The question arises from concerns about the high reoffending rate and lack of basic literacy skills among prisoners.
Will the Secretary of State please commit to increasing funding for prison education, so that offenders can access the basic skills and support they need to rebuild their lives, reintegrate, and contribute positively to society when they leave prison?
My hon. Friend has been consistent in raising that important issue, and we are committed to ensuring sufficient education provision for prisoners. However, we need to stabilise and get order back into the prison system after inheriting chaos, but this Government are absolutely committed to ensuring that prisoners have education and work opportunities on leaving prison.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a commitment on funding was not directly addressed; only general commitments were made without specifics.
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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The question concerns the disparity between the standard HMRC rate and the reimbursement rate for jurors.
Why are ordinary citizens reimbursed for jury service at the rate of only 31.4p per mile for travel by car, yet the standard HMRC approved rate is 45p per mile? It does not cover the cost of travel, and penalises those who live in rural areas.
The hon. Member raises an important practical point. The Government recognise the hugely important civic duty role that jurors play day in, day out across the country, and we will always keep remuneration and travel costs under review. We have heard the question.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for action to address the discrepancy was not directly addressed; only a general statement about reviewing rates was made without committing to change.
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
Niblett launched a campaign for lifelong sex education and met parish councillors, including one who works in the Probation Service, thanking her for the campaign due to the need for re-education of young men on acceptable sexual behavior.
I recently launched a campaign for lifelong sex education. A parish councillor thanked me for it because probation staff are frequently re-educating young men about acceptable sexual relationships. Will the Secretary of State or a relevant Minister meet me to discuss the importance of lifelong sex education in re-educating potential reoffenders?
I thank my hon. Friend for her campaign and work in this area. It is important that prisoners and those on probation are re-educated about codes of conduct, and I am happy for her to arrange a meeting with the Prisons Minister.
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Q16
Direct Answer
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Several young constituents reported issues with communication, delay, and non-prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service when reporting historical cases of sexual violence.
What steps is the Secretary of State taking through the criminal justice system to support victims of violence against women, particularly those who report historical cases of sexual violence? Several young constituents faced terrible communication, years of delay, and ultimately no prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service.
We will be delivering the new victims' code which sets out service, support, and information that victims are entitled to. We are also supporting victims with the largest ever investment of £550 million in victim support services.
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Q17
Direct Answer
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Two Sikh women were raped in racially aggravated assaults, shocking the entire community. A Reform party election candidate celebrated these attacks but has since stood down.
Will the Minister say more about how women will be supported in cases where they are victims of horrific sexual attacks and racial hatred was also involved? These two recent cases shocked the black country community deeply.
The Government are committed to supporting victims not only with £550 million for victim support services but also by introducing independent legal advisers for adult rape victims.
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Q18
Partial Answer
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A report has raised concerns about the communication between Lord Cameron, the former Foreign Secretary, and Karim Khan, the International Criminal Court prosecutor. The investigation pertains to war crimes in Gaza.
What assessment has the Minister made of the report concerning communication between the former Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, and the International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, regarding the court investigation into war crimes in Gaza? What steps is he taking to uphold the independence of the international judicial institutions that we set up?
Some of the matters raised by the hon. Member may be more relevant for the Foreign Secretary rather than the Justice Secretary, but we clearly respect international law and uphold the rule of law in general.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific communication between Lord Cameron and Karim Khan was not addressed, nor were any steps mentioned to ensure the independence of international judicial institutions.
Redirecting Question To Foreign Secretary
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Sexual assaults and harassment on trains have increased by over a third in the past decade. Currently, many train and station locations lack adequate CCTV coverage.
Sexual assaults and harassment on trains have risen by more than a third over the past 10 years, yet too many trains and stations still lack adequate CCTV. That evidence gap lets criminals evade justice and fails victims. What steps are the Secretary of State and his colleagues taking to improve CCTV coverage across the whole rail network, so that perpetrators of violence against women and girls can be brought to justice?
We have launched a new campaign to encourage reporting of harassment on trains, along with the safer railway scheme which mandates train operators to demonstrate their efforts in tackling violence against women and girls. We are committed to working closely with constituents like my hon. Friend to ensure this initiative's success.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about steps to improve CCTV coverage, but no concrete actions related to CCTV were mentioned.
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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The former Minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls stated that real change often comes after threats from her following 'catastrophic mistakes'. This suggests a reluctance to take tough decisions without external pressure.
Does the Government's unwillingness to take tough decisions necessary to tackle violence against women and girls not confirm their hesitance to act proactively, as indicated by past statements?
I am honoured to take up the role and build on the incredible work that my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones) undertook. She was absolutely essential to the development of the VAWG strategy, “Freedom from violence and abuse”, so that this Government have a plan to prevent violence, pursue and prosecute perpetrators and support victims. We will be working across Government to deliver the strongest crackdown in British history.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific reluctance to take tough decisions without external pressure was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
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Demand for mental health legal aid is increasing while fees are not, leading to professionals leaving the field despite the Mental Health Act 2025 adding workload. This raises concerns about the sustainability of the sector.
My constituent Tam is a mental health legal aid lawyer who has seen demand in the sector rise while fees fail to keep up, causing many to leave their jobs despite increased workload due to the Mental Health Act 2025. What specific assessments have been made on the sustainability of the mental health legal aid sector and what concrete steps are being taken to ensure its financial viability?
We have announced additional funding of up to £34 million a year for criminal legal aid advocates, and an additional £92 million beyond that for criminal legal aid solicitors. The hon. Lady has mentioned the important issue of legal aid in relation to mental health cases, which we will look closely at in the next funding period.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific assessments on sustainability and concrete steps were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Jimmy, an IPP prisoner from Shipley, has been in prison for over 20 years and lacks a firm release date despite the abolition of IPP sentences more than a decade ago. Jimmy's case has previously been raised with multiple government officials.
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Derby North (Catherine Atkinson) on her first outing at the Dispatch Box. On Friday, I met Jimmy, an imprisonment for public protection prisoner whose case I have previously raised with the Prime Minister, the Justice Secretary and the Prisons Minister. Despite good progress, he still does not have a firm release date after more than 20 years in prison and over a decade since IPP sentences were abolished. Will the Justice Secretary urge his Department to do all it can to expedite Jimmy's release and that of the estimated other 2,800 people who remain in prison on IPP sentences?
I recognise the real issues that exist for IPP prisoners—we have discussed those issues at length, and will continue to do so. The Prisons Minister has done a lot of work in this area, engaging with all of those who raise these issues on an almost weekly basis, including in another place. Of course, we want to do more and see those prisoners who are not going to cause public harm released.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a firm commitment to expedite Jimmy's release and that of other IPP prisoners was not addressed with concrete details or timelines.
Response accuracy