Cunningham highlighted the lack of progress on reforms to protect victims and children in family court cases since the Ministry of Justice's harm report two years ago. He cited a Women's Aid research showing insufficient understanding among practitioners about coercive controlling behaviour and parental alienation, which left survivors disillusioned and disappointed. Cunningham also criticized the government for not taking action to regulate psychological experts in family courts despite high risks to vulnerable children. Asked the Minister to conduct an assessment of wasted court time due to litigants in person and suggested that providing legal aid could save both time and money.

There is often a financial disparity between parties in family court proceedings, with parental alienation used as a tactic to prolong cases and increase costs for the less privileged party. He urges better training for CAFCASS, courts, and judges on the issue of parental alienation.

Ms. Phillips highlighted the systemic issues within family courts, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse and rape victims. She cited a report by Women's Aid detailing 19 child homicides linked to family court decisions. She emphasized the need to challenge the notion that contact with both parents is better for children when one parent is abusive. Questioned whether the Minister or anyone in his family would enter mediation with a rapist.

He supports the call for equal legal aid opportunities across all parts of the UK to ensure fair representation for individuals who cannot afford it. He calls for discussions between the Government and devolved Administrations in Northern Ireland and Scotland on legal aid.

She thanks the hon. Member for securing the debate, drawing from her experience in family law to highlight how delays in cases can be exploited by abusive parents. She advocates for keeping simpler cases out of court to free up resources for more complex and urgent cases. It is always important to listen to the hon. Member. One of the things that the president of the family division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, has done recently is open up the family courts for reporting pilots.