Departmental Priorities Covid-19 Implications 2020-06-09
2020-06-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Discusses the challenges posed by the pandemic to justice system operations.
What recent assessment he has made of the implications of the covid-19 outbreak for his Department's priorities?
Covid-19 brought unprecedented challenges to the justice system. Department adapted by using audio and video in 90% of hearings and secure mobile phones for prisoner communications. Getting the system fully back up is now priority, working on increasing jury trials and legislative programme.
▸
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Notes that 10 prison staff have died from covid-19.
Will he commit to adopting best practice demands of unions for safe working environment and authorise additional financial compensation to families?
Measures agreed with Treasury to reward prison staff financially. Engaging regularly with representatives and unions on issues raised. Taken every reasonable step possible to support dedicated staff.
▸
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Notes that jury trials were suspended and restarted at a fraction of normal rate.
What is his estimate of the total number of jury trials in backlog currently waiting to be held?
Case load approaching 41,000. Normally 200 jury trials a week heard; currently dealing with small number. Lord Chief Justice and I working closely to scale up capacity, look at court hours and accommodation for jurors and staff.
▸
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Queries whether he refrained from tweeting in support of Cummings.
Does he agree that it is equally important for Government not to seek to influence the police or CPS? Can he confirm refraining from supporting Cummings?
Refrains from talking about individual cases. Upholds rule of law; independence of police and prosecutorial authorities paramount, will uphold it.
▸
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Questions about amendments to the Human Rights Act.
Can he reassure that any amendments will not seek to abrogate domestic law giving effect to ECHR?
Pledged to update 20-year-old Human Rights Act. Membership of the convention is beyond doubt or peradventure; working on independent review into operation of act.
▸
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Refers to sacrifices made by public while Cummings was reportedly breaking rules.
Does he believe it is right that some unelected bureaucrats appear to be allowed to break the law while the public are cautioned or fined?
Believes in equality before the law, refrains from making comments about individual cases. Respects decisions made by police independently and by other prosecutorial authorities either north or south of the border.
▸
Assessment & feedback
None
Response accuracy