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My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. He is correct that special measures help vulnerable witnesses and victims to give evidence and reduce the stress in attending court. These include the use of screens, live video links and pre-recorded evidence. He will know that the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which is due to come back to this place soon, includes reforms to special measures, including clarifying that vulnerable witnesses and victims may use them when delivering their personal statements. We have also revised the victims code to ensure that this is taken into account.
My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. He is correct that special measures help vulnerable witnesses and victims to give evidence and reduce the stress in attending court. These include the use of screens, live video links and pre-recorded evidence. He will know that the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which is due to come back to this place soon, includes reforms to special measures, including clarifying that vulnerable witnesses and victims may use them when delivering their personal statements. We have also revised the victims code to ensure that this is taken into account.
Vulnerable victims and witnesses of crime deserve full and proactive support from the Crown Prosecution Service and the police. Yet one of my constituents struggled to get clarity about what protections would be put in place should they give evidence in court, and also whether their victim personal statement was even properly considered during the sentencing stage of the trial. Will the Minister outline what is being done to better support victims, particularly vulnerable witnesses, to ensure they get proper advocacy in the court system?
Vulnerable victims and witnesses of crime deserve full and proactive support from the Crown Prosecution Service and the police. Yet one of my constituents struggled to get clarity about what protections would be put in place should they give evidence in court, and also whether their victim personal statement was even properly considered during the sentencing stage of the trial. Will the Minister outline what is being done to better support victims, particularly vulnerable witnesses, to ensure they get proper advocacy in the court system?
Vulnerable victims and witnesses of crime deserve full and proactive support from the Crown Prosecution Service and the police. Yet one of my constituents struggled to get clarity about what protections would be put in place should they give evidence in court, and also whether their victim personal statement was even properly considered during the sentencing stage of the trial. Will the Minister outline what is being done to better support victims, particularly vulnerable witnesses, to ensure they get proper advocacy in the court system?
My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. He is correct that special measures help vulnerable witnesses and victims to give evidence and reduce the stress in attending court. These include the use of screens, live video links and pre-recorded evidence. He will know that the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which is due to come back to this place soon, includes reforms to special measures, including clarifying that vulnerable witnesses and victims may use them when delivering their personal statements. We have also revised the victims code to ensure that this is taken into account.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance is provided to police forces on using social media evidence posted on platforms such as TikTok to prosecute individuals participating in organised joyriding.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance is provided to police forces on using social media evidence posted on platforms such as TikTok to prosecute individuals participating in organised joyriding.
The Home Office does not issue guidance on the use of social media evidence in prosecutions for organised joyriding. College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice provides guidance on investigations and digital intelligence and investigation. Decisions on the investigation of offences, the gathering and assessment of evidence, and whether a case should be referred for prosecution are operational matters for police forces. The Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether there is sufficient evidence to support a prosecution and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.
To ask the Attorney General, what guidance the Crown Prosecution Service provides to prosecutors on the evidential use of social media content apparently recorded or uploaded by a defendant in prosecutions for (a) theft, (b) burglary, (c) vehicle crime and (d) dangerous driving.
To ask the Attorney General, what guidance the Crown Prosecution Service provides to prosecutors on the evidential use of social media content apparently recorded or uploaded by a defendant in prosecutions for (a) theft, (b) burglary, (c) vehicle crime and (d) dangerous driving.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the mandatory reporting law in the Crime and Policing Act will apply to information heard during religious confession.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the mandatory reporting law in the Crime and Policing Act will apply to information heard during religious confession.
This Government remains firmly committed to tackling all forms of child sexual abuse. The new mandatory reporting duty we are working to implement will be a vital step in safeguarding children more effectively across a range of institutions and settings.
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 does not provide any exemption from mandatory reporting on the basis of religious practice, or the setting in which information is received. In defining who is subject to the duty, the Act makes specific provision for those providing religious instruction to children beyond the regulated activity framework in Schedule 12. The Act also makes clear how the duty interacts with any wider expectations of confidentiality that a reporter may be subject to. Section 85 makes clear that submitting a report under the mandatory reporting duty does not breach any obligation of confidence owed by the person making the report. This ensures that individuals who are subject to the duty can make reports as required by law.
We will continue to engage across government and with stakeholders to help manage the implementation of the new duty to ensure readiness and compliance for when the duty comes into effect in 2027.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber) Information Rights decision of 23 July 2026, NCN: [2026] UKFTT 01080 (GRC), Case Reference: FT/EA/2025/0456, Greenwood and Information Commissioner and Cabinet Office, if she will place in the Library a copy of the...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber) Information Rights decision of 23 July 2026, NCN: [2026] UKFTT 01080 (GRC), Case Reference: FT/EA/2025/0456, Greenwood and Information Commissioner and Cabinet Office, if she will place in the Library a copy of the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Department is taking with the Home Office and Crown Prosecution Service to improve the secure transfer of digital evidence between police, prosecutors and courts and reduce avoidable delays.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Department is taking with the Home Office and Crown Prosecution Service to improve the secure transfer of digital evidence between police, prosecutors and courts and reduce avoidable delays.
Under the Criminal Procedure Rules, parties are required to assist the court in the active management of cases, and prosecutors are responsible for serving prosecution evidence on the court and other parties where the rules require it. This includes ensuring that evidence is provided in a format that can be used effectively by the court. The Department is supporting this through work with criminal justice partners on digital case progression, including through the Police Digital Case File programme, and associated improvements to the presentation of digital evidence in court. These reforms are intended to improve the quality and accessibility of case material, reduce reliance on manual processes and help avoid delays caused by missing, incomplete or unusable evidence.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the use of roadside evidential drug testing devices in other countries; and whether she plans to introduce comparable technology in England and Wales.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the use of roadside evidential drug testing devices in other countries; and whether she plans to introduce comparable technology in England and Wales.
The Department for Transport has consulted on the potential use of alternative specimens, including oral fluid, saliva and sweat, in drug-driving forensic analysis. We are considering the responses received and will set out next steps in the usual way. No decision has been taken on whether to introduce roadside evidential drug-testing devices in England and Wales.
The Department works very closely with the Home Office, policing partners and scientific advisers on drug-driving enforcement and emerging testing technologies.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with the Home Office on the introduction of roadside evidential drug testing devices for drug driving offences since 4 July 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with the Home Office on the introduction of roadside evidential drug testing devices for drug driving offences since 4 July 2024.
The Department for Transport has consulted on the potential use of alternative specimens, including oral fluid, saliva and sweat, in drug-driving forensic analysis. We are considering the responses received and will set out next steps in the usual way. No decision has been taken on whether to introduce roadside evidential drug-testing devices in England and Wales.
The Department works very closely with the Home Office, policing partners and scientific advisers on drug-driving enforcement and emerging testing technologies.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has undertaken, or plans to undertake, any review of enforcement actions, civil penalties or criminal proceedings that may have been affected by concerns regarding the reliability, authorisation, provenance or evidential status of material relied upon in those cases.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has undertaken, or plans to undertake, any review of enforcement actions, civil penalties or criminal proceedings that may have been affected by concerns regarding the reliability, authorisation, provenance or evidential status of material relied upon in those cases.
Evidence gathering within HMRC criminal investigations is subject to strict legal and procedural requirements as set out in legislation and related Codes of Practice and is in line with the standards expected across the Criminal Justice System.
Decisions to instigate criminal proceedings are made by an independent prosecuting authority following an assessment of the evidential sufficiency in the case.
HMRC's forensic activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, the Criminal Procedure Rules and the principles of the Forensic Science Regulator's Code of Practice. Accredited forensic activities meet the relevant requirements, including ISO/IEC 17025. For forensic activities pending accreditation, appropriate mitigations, quality controls and documented procedures are in place to ensure the work is carried out to the same forensic standards and remains auditable, reproducible and capable of independent review.
HMRC keeps its procedures and controls under regular review to ensure legal compliance and best practice. Amendments and updates will be applied following internal assurance activity conducted to ensure HMRC delivers to a constant standard. Changes may also be made following case feedback from either the Tax Tribunal or Criminal Courts.
The use of criminal powers by HMRC is routinely subject to external scrutiny. The HMRC's criminal investigation powers and safeguards at 2.2 Oversight of communication data powers and 2.3 External safeguards on the use of HMRC’s criminal investigation powers set out this external oversight.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what measures are in place to ensure that forensic testing, intelligence, analytical methodologies and other evidence relied upon by HMRC in enforcement action and criminal proceedings are lawfully obtained and independently validated where appropriate.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what measures are in place to ensure that forensic testing, intelligence, analytical methodologies and other evidence relied upon by HMRC in enforcement action and criminal proceedings are lawfully obtained and independently validated where appropriate.
Evidence gathering within HMRC criminal investigations is subject to strict legal and procedural requirements as set out in legislation and related Codes of Practice and is in line with the standards expected across the Criminal Justice System.
Decisions to instigate criminal proceedings are made by an independent prosecuting authority following an assessment of the evidential sufficiency in the case.
HMRC's forensic activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, the Criminal Procedure Rules and the principles of the Forensic Science Regulator's Code of Practice. Accredited forensic activities meet the relevant requirements, including ISO/IEC 17025. For forensic activities pending accreditation, appropriate mitigations, quality controls and documented procedures are in place to ensure the work is carried out to the same forensic standards and remains auditable, reproducible and capable of independent review.
HMRC keeps its procedures and controls under regular review to ensure legal compliance and best practice. Amendments and updates will be applied following internal assurance activity conducted to ensure HMRC delivers to a constant standard. Changes may also be made following case feedback from either the Tax Tribunal or Criminal Courts.
The use of criminal powers by HMRC is routinely subject to external scrutiny. The HMRC's criminal investigation powers and safeguards at 2.2 Oversight of communication data powers and 2.3 External safeguards on the use of HMRC’s criminal investigation powers set out this external oversight.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average time was between (a) a roadside drug test, (b) the taking of an evidential sample, (c) receipt of toxicology results and (d) the first court hearing for drug driving cases in the latest period for which data is available.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average time was between (a) a roadside drug test, (b) the taking of an evidential sample, (c) receipt of toxicology results and (d) the first court hearing for drug driving cases in the latest period for which data is available.
The Department does not hold data on the average time between each of the stages specified. Operational information relating to roadside testing, evidential samples and forensic toxicology is held by the police and forensic service providers, while court listing is a matter for the independent courts.
The Department has not estimated the number of people arrested or charged for a drug-driving offence who were subsequently arrested for a further alleged drug-driving offence before the conclusion of the original proceedings in each of the last five years. This information is not held centrally by the Department for Transport.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X. [Sir John Goldring] Incl. annexes. 213p.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X. [Sir John Goldring] Incl. annexes. 213p.
My rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
This statement updates the House on the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s investigation into how MI5 came to provide false evidence to the Courts on whether or not it had confirmed...
My rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
This statement updates the House on the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s investigation into how MI5 came to provide false evidence to the Courts on whether or not it had confirmed...
This statement updates the House on the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s investigation into how MI5 came to provide false evidence to the Courts on whether or not it had confirmed the status of ‘Agent X’ as a Covert Human Intelligence Source. This follows the then Home Secretary’s Written Ministerial
This statement updates the House on the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s investigation into how MI5 came to provide false evidence to the Courts on whether or not it had confirmed the status of ‘Agent X’ as a Covert Human Intelligence Source. This follows the then Home Secretary’s Written Ministerial
My hon Friend the Minister of State for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
Today the Government publishes Modernising the Criminal Disclosure Regime, setting out our response to recommendations made by the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences and the Independent Review of...
My hon Friend the Minister of State for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:
Today the Government publishes Modernising the Criminal Disclosure Regime, setting out our response to recommendations made by the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences and the Independent Review of...
Today the Government publishes Modernising the Criminal Disclosure Regime, setting out our response to recommendations made by the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences and the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts on the operation of the criminal disclosure regime.
We are grateful to Jonathan Fisher KC for his...
Today the Government publishes Modernising the Criminal Disclosure Regime, setting out our response to recommendations made by the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences and the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts on the operation of the criminal disclosure regime.
We are grateful to Jonathan Fisher KC for his...
I. The Timms review of Personal Independence Payment: Interim Report. Incl. annex. 74p. II. Annex A: Terms of Reference. 3p. III. Annex B: Personal Independence Payment: evidence and analysis. 126p. IV. Annex C: List of themes and topics. 2p. V. Call for Evidence Findings Report. Incl. annexes. 35p.
I. The Timms review of Personal Independence Payment: Interim Report. Incl. annex. 74p. II. Annex A: Terms of Reference. 3p. III. Annex B: Personal Independence Payment: evidence and analysis. 126p. IV. Annex C: List of themes and topics. 2p. V. Call for Evidence Findings Report. Incl. annexes. 35p.
On the issue of nuclear testing veterans, the Minister’s predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Derbyshire (Louise Sandher-Jones), confirmed in March this year that in 2014 both the MOD and Government legal advisers were made aware of a previously undisclosed fallout report, showing radiation across inhabited areas of Christmas Island—crucially, in the main camp where British personnel lived and worked. Can the Minister confirm what work has been done to establish why that evidence was not disclosed in legal proceedings, and whether Ministers were informed at the time?
On the issue of nuclear testing veterans, the Minister’s predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Derbyshire (Louise Sandher-Jones), confirmed in March this year that in 2014 both the MOD and Government legal advisers were made aware of a previously undisclosed fallout report, showing radiation across inhabited areas of Christmas Island—crucially, in the main camp where British personnel lived and worked. Can the Minister confirm what work has been done to establish why that evidence was not disclosed in legal proceedings, and whether Ministers were informed at the time?
Let me first say how deeply grateful we are to those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme—and to my hon. Friend for championing them for so long. We recognise their service and the huge contribution they have made to the UK’s security. Since taking office, I have worked hard to listen to and meet the veterans. I am aiming to disclose the document to which my hon. Friend referred as soon as possible, with the principle, set out by my predecessor, that officials should look into this as a matter of urgency.
Let me first say how deeply grateful we are to those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme—and to my hon. Friend for championing them for so long. We recognise their service and the huge contribution they have made to the UK’s security. Since taking office, I have worked hard to listen to and meet the veterans. I am aiming to disclose the document to which my hon. Friend referred as soon as possible, with the principle, set out by my predecessor, that officials should look into this as a matter of urgency.
Let me first say how deeply grateful we are to those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme—and to my hon. Friend for championing them for so long. We recognise their service and the huge contribution they have made to the UK’s security. Since taking office, I have worked hard to listen to and meet the veterans. I am aiming to disclose the document to which my hon. Friend referred as soon as possible, with the principle, set out by my predecessor, that officials should look into this as a matter of urgency.
On the issue of nuclear testing veterans, the Minister’s predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Derbyshire (Louise Sandher-Jones), confirmed in March this year that in 2014 both the MOD and Government legal advisers were made aware of a previously undisclosed fallout report, showing radiation across inhabited areas of Christmas Island—crucially, in the main camp where British personnel lived and worked. Can the Minister confirm what work has been done to establish why that evidence was not disclosed in legal proceedings, and whether Ministers were informed at the time?
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what guidance is provided to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on the proportionality of evidence requests made to applicants; and what steps he is taking to ensure that requests for historic financial and medical records do not present a challenge to victims...
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what guidance is provided to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on the proportionality of evidence requests made to applicants; and what steps he is taking to ensure that requests for historic financial and medical records do not present a challenge to victims...
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. Its decisions are made independently from the Secretary of State for Justice.
The amount of compensation CICA can award and the rules which apply are set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (the 2012 Scheme).
The 2012 Scheme was made by the Secretary of State and approved by Parliament
CICA claims officers assess applications under the 2012 Scheme. Each application is assessed on the balance of probabilities based on their own facts and the information available.
The 2012 Scheme requires applicants to give CICA information which is reasonably required to assess their eligibility. This includes medical and other information to assess injuries and losses.
Information about pre-existing medical conditions may be required because the claims officer must consider whether those conditions were exacerbated or accelerated by the crime. Information about employment may be required to assess eligibility for past and future loss of earnings. Under the Scheme, a loss of earnings award requires the applicant to have been in paid work on the date of the crime or for three years before the crime.
CICA’s guidance for claims officers is published on GOV.UK
I. Updated Universal Credit Guidance 2026 [update of previous guidance deposited Nov 2025, DEP2025-0769] (210 docs. plus file list) II. Letter dated 15/06/2026 from Stephen Timms MP to the Deposited Papers Clerk regarding documents for deposit in the House libraries. Incl. Annex (file list). 7p
I. Updated Universal Credit Guidance 2026 [update of previous guidance deposited Nov 2025, DEP2025-0769] (210 docs. plus file list) II. Letter dated 15/06/2026 from Stephen Timms MP to the Deposited Papers Clerk regarding documents for deposit in the House libraries. Incl. Annex (file list). 7p
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether disclosures to the Southport Inquiry by (1) the Department of Health and Social Care, (2) NHS England, and (3) Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, concerning "inappropriate accesses" to victim records satisfied the current text of the Public Office...
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether disclosures to the Southport Inquiry by (1) the Department of Health and Social Care, (2) NHS England, and (3) Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, concerning "inappropriate accesses" to victim records satisfied the current text of the Public Office...
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill is currently undergoing parliamentary scrutiny and has not yet been enacted into law. It is not the practice of the Government to comment on the potential application of legislation to specific current scenarios when it is currently before Parliament and has not yet been enacted. The Bill does not provide for the duty of candour to apply retrospectively. The Government remains committed to supporting the independent Southport Inquiry.
Letter dated 08/06/2026 from Sarah Sackman MP to Courts and Tribunals Bill Committee Chairs regarding the Courts and Tribunals Bill committee debates: clarification of points raised on clauses 8-16: definition of 'substantial probative value' and 'proper evidential basis', reasons for departing from Law Commission's recommendations, accompaniment of the witness while giving evidence, exclusion of persons from court, and editing of video recorded cross-examination and re-examination. 4p.
Letter dated 08/06/2026 from Sarah Sackman MP to Courts and Tribunals Bill Committee Chairs regarding the Courts and Tribunals Bill committee debates: clarification of points raised on clauses 8-16: definition of 'substantial probative value' and 'proper evidential basis', reasons for departing from Law Commission's recommendations, accompaniment of the witness while...
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the new Victims Code will address concerns raised by survivors about last minute plea changes (a) causing reduced sentencing severity and (b) denying victims the chance to give evidence about what happened to them.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the new Victims Code will address concerns raised by survivors about last minute plea changes (a) causing reduced sentencing severity and (b) denying victims the chance to give evidence about what happened to them.
The Victims’ Code (the Code) sets out the rights and information victims can expect to receive from criminal justice agencies in England and Wales. As part of implementation of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, we have consulted on a new draft Victims’ Code (which is available online), which closed on 30 April. We are now considering the nearly 200 responses and will respond publicly, ahead of bringing a new Code into force.
The current Code sets out that all victims (including victims of coercive control, stalking, economic abuse and other forms of domestic abuse) are entitled to be referred to a support service by the police within 2 working days of a crime being reported to them. Both the current Code, and the new draft Code include information about a victim’s ability to ask the Attorney General to consider making a referral under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing Scheme. The Victims and Courts Act 2026 introduced a new statutory obligation to ensure that new and revised Codes always include such information.
This Government recognises the significance and seriousness of strangulation as a method of exerting power and control. Indeed, non-fatal strangulation and suffocation is a criminal offence, an indicator of controlling or coercive behaviour, and a recognised risk factor for intimate partner homicide. The Code sets out the information and support victims can expect to receive; it therefore does not seek to provide guidance to criminal justice agencies about the risk profiles of specific criminal offences, which is a matter best dealt with elsewhere.
Guilty pleas can avoid the need for trial, shorten the gap between charge and sentence, and can save victims from having to be cross-examined on potentially highly traumatic evidence in court. Guilty pleas are also relevant to sentencing, though when they are entered later in the process, any reduction in sentence is substantially lower than in cases where guilty pleas are made earlier in the process.
Even though a guilty plea removes the need for a trial, victims have a right under the Code to make a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) to the Police, explaining how the crime has affected them. If the case proceeds to a sentencing hearing (including after a guilty plea), the VIS is delivered as evidence and the court will take into account all the circumstances of the case, including the VIS, in determining sentence. This is already set out within the current Code, but we have sought views through the consultation on how to improve communication with victims on making a VIS and on how well sentencing decisions are explained to and understood by victims.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the (a) average and (b) maximum time was between the completion of Section 28 pre‑recorded cross‑examination and the start of trial in Crown Court cases in each of the last five years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the (a) average and (b) maximum time was between the completion of Section 28 pre‑recorded cross‑examination and the start of trial in Crown Court cases in each of the last five years.
The Ministry of Justice does not routinely collect the information requested. However, an impact evaluation of section 28, published by the Department in March 2025, provides relevant data for the period January 2019 to September 2022. This evaluation found that in section 28 cases, pre-recorded cross-examinations occurred an average (mean) of 193.3 days earlier than the first trial hearing date. The evaluation did not include data on the maximum time for this interval.
Find out about who is eligible for infected blood compensation, how the scheme processes claims for compensation and support for claimants.
Find out about who is eligible for infected blood compensation, how the scheme processes claims for compensation and support for claimants.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, in each of the last 3 years, how many instances of delayed hearings and trials have been caused by the CPS giving insufficient time for the defence to consider evidence shared as part of disclosure.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, in each of the last 3 years, how many instances of delayed hearings and trials have been caused by the CPS giving insufficient time for the defence to consider evidence shared as part of disclosure.
The specific information requested is not held. However, data on trials that have been ineffective due to the prosecution failing to disclose unused evidence is published quarterly in the Criminal Courts Accredited Official Statistics. The latest available data can be found in the ‘Trial Effectiveness at the Criminal Courts tool’ here: Criminal court statistics quarterly: October to December 2025 - GOV.UK.
The Government is carefully considering the recommendations on the disclosure regime made by Sir Brian Leveson as part of the Independent Review of Criminal Courts, and by Jonathan Fisher KC in his Independent Review of Disclosure Offences.
Clauses 8 to 20 discussed with Schedule 3 and amendments and new clauses. Clause 8 agreed to. Clause 9, amendment 68 withdrawn. Clauses 9 to 12 agreed to. Clause 13, amendment 70 withdrawn. Clauses 13 to 16 agreed to. Clause 17, amendment 14 negatived on division (3 to 9). Clauses 17 to 20 agreed to. Schedule 3, Government amendments 72 to 96 agreed to. Schedule 3, as amended, agreed to. Committee adjourned. Written evidence reported to the House.
Clauses 8 to 20 discussed with Schedule 3 and amendments and new clauses. Clause 8 agreed to. Clause 9, amendment 68 withdrawn. Clauses 9 to 12 agreed to. Clause 13, amendment 70 withdrawn. Clauses 13 to 16 agreed to. Clause 17, amendment 14 negatived on division (3 to 9). Clauses...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what systems her department has put in place to ensure that local authorities, police forces and other agencies cannot delete or destroy records that may be relevant to the independent inquiry into grooming gangs.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what systems her department has put in place to ensure that local authorities, police forces and other agencies cannot delete or destroy records that may be relevant to the independent inquiry into grooming gangs.
Baroness Casey made clear in her audit into Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse that local authorities, police forces and other relevant agencies should be required not to destroy any relevant records. Once the government responded to Baroness Casey’s report and accepted all her recommendations in June 2025, including establishing an Inquiry, organisations already had additional legal obligations to protect relevant information.
Alongside her appointment on 9 December 2025, the Chair of the Inquiry wrote to the Cabinet Secretary to highlight the publication of the draft Terms of Reference at the earliest possible opportunity, to ensure that organisations were retaining information in line with the specific scope that the draft Terms of Reference established, including the time period, organisations, and issues likely to be examined. This letter highlighted the need for relevant local and national bodies to be ready to meet their legal obligations to provide relevant records, information and data to the Inquiry as it is requested.
This letter was shared with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Department for Education (DfE) and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to cascade the requirement to retain records to their relevant sectors, including local councils, health agencies and police forces.
Following this, on 14 January 2026 the Home Office Permanent Secretary wrote to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and other arm’s length bodies to pass on the Chair’s letter to the Cabinet Secretary, to set out the need for full transparency and cooperation with the Inquiry.
The Inquiry has full statutory powers to compel evidence and witnesses and the Inquiry Chair has been clear that any gaps in evidence will be identified and investigated. If the Inquiry identifies potential criminal wrongdoing, including the destruction of evidence that should have been retained, this will be passed to law enforcement to assess.
We expect organisations to comply with the law on record retention and do not intend to issue further guidance. The Inquiry may choose to write to affected organisations on record retention in due course now it has been formally established.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the risk that relevant records may have been destroyed before formal retention notices were issued; and what steps she has taken to ensure no loss of material occurs.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the risk that relevant records may have been destroyed before formal retention notices were issued; and what steps she has taken to ensure no loss of material occurs.
Baroness Casey made clear in her audit into Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse that local authorities, police forces and other relevant agencies should be required not to destroy any relevant records. Once the government responded to Baroness Casey’s report and accepted all her recommendations in June 2025, including establishing an Inquiry, organisations already had additional legal obligations to protect relevant information.
Alongside her appointment on 9 December 2025, the Chair of the Inquiry wrote to the Cabinet Secretary to highlight the publication of the draft Terms of Reference at the earliest possible opportunity, to ensure that organisations were retaining information in line with the specific scope that the draft Terms of Reference established, including the time period, organisations, and issues likely to be examined. This letter highlighted the need for relevant local and national bodies to be ready to meet their legal obligations to provide relevant records, information and data to the Inquiry as it is requested.
This letter was shared with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Department for Education (DfE) and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to cascade the requirement to retain records to their relevant sectors, including local councils, health agencies and police forces.
Following this, on 14 January 2026 the Home Office Permanent Secretary wrote to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and other arm’s length bodies to pass on the Chair’s letter to the Cabinet Secretary, to set out the need for full transparency and cooperation with the Inquiry.
The Inquiry has full statutory powers to compel evidence and witnesses and the Inquiry Chair has been clear that any gaps in evidence will be identified and investigated. If the Inquiry identifies potential criminal wrongdoing, including the destruction of evidence that should have been retained, this will be passed to law enforcement to assess.
We expect organisations to comply with the law on record retention and do not intend to issue further guidance. The Inquiry may choose to write to affected organisations on record retention in due course now it has been formally established.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current processes for handling incidents involving harassment, alarm or distress motivated by homophobia where relevant evidence cannot be admitted or relied upon in court; and what steps she is taking to...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current processes for handling incidents involving harassment, alarm or distress motivated by homophobia where relevant evidence cannot be admitted or relied upon in court; and what steps she is taking to...
On the 14th February, the government tabled an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to extend existing aggravated offences under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to ensure equal protection across the protected characteristics of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, transgender identity and sex.
The police are operationally independent and responsible for investigating alleged offences, working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to build cases that meet the evidential and public interest tests. A range of offences may apply depending on the circumstances, including under the Public Order Act 1986 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, and where hostility based on sexual orientation is proven, courts may apply statutory sentencing uplifts.
Where particular evidence cannot be admitted or relied upon in court, the police are expected to pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry using admissible material, and to seek early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service where appropriate. Where the evidential threshold for a charge is not met, the police can still take steps to protect victims, including the use of bail conditions and other protective measures where the relevant legal tests are satisfied.
Victims of hate crime are entitled to support under the Victims’ Code, including being kept informed of progress and signposted to appropriate services. The Government continues to fund local and national victim support services and works closely with policing partners, the Crown Prosecution Service and the College of Policing to promote consistent, evidence-led responses to hate-motivated incidents so that victims are protected and offenders are brought to justice wherever possible.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Cabinet Secretary’s review into Peter Mandelson will take evidence from officials who were involved in the due diligence and vetting processes, including (a) the propriety and ethics team, (b) UK Security Vetting, (c) the FCDO and (d) the Prime Minister’s...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Cabinet Secretary’s review into Peter Mandelson will take evidence from officials who were involved in the due diligence and vetting processes, including (a) the propriety and ethics team, (b) UK Security Vetting, (c) the FCDO and (d) the Prime Minister’s...
The former Cabinet Secretary was asked to review available information regarding Peter Mandelson’s contacts with Jeffrey Epstein during his period as a Minister. After an initial review of some documents, the matter was referred to the police. In light of the ongoing criminal investigation that was announced, that review has now been paused. The government is cooperating fully with the police investigation and providing any assistance required.
Motion lapsed. Motion made and Question proposed, that this House do now adjourn. Agreed to on question.
Motion lapsed. Motion made and Question proposed, that this House do now adjourn. Agreed to on question.
In 1998, Cheshire police arrested Sally Clark and charged her with the murder of her two baby sons. In 1999, she was convicted of their murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. That conviction and sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2003 and recognised as a gross miscarriage...
In 1998, Cheshire police arrested Sally Clark and charged her with the murder of her two baby sons. In 1999, she was convicted of their murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. That conviction and sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2003 and recognised as a gross miscarriage...
I spoke to the right hon. Gentleman beforehand. He has a forensic, investigative mind for these subjects, on behalf of the House, and—with your agreement, Madam Deputy Speaker—we should put on record our thanks to him for that. We in the House and this nation owe him a debt when...
I spoke to the right hon. Gentleman beforehand. He has a forensic, investigative mind for these subjects, on behalf of the House, and—with your agreement, Madam Deputy Speaker—we should put on record our thanks to him for that. We in the House and this nation owe him a debt when...
I am not easily embarrassed, but the hon. Member—
I am not easily embarrassed, but the hon. Member—
You rescued me from embarrassment, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Let us forensically analyse the prosecution of this case, using as a reference proper police procedure, prosecutorial standards, medical murder investigation guidelines, CPS guidance, the evidence from the Thirlwall inquiry and the considered critiques from these two experienced police officers.
The neonatal unit at...
You rescued me from embarrassment, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Let us forensically analyse the prosecution of this case, using as a reference proper police procedure, prosecutorial standards, medical murder investigation guidelines, CPS guidance, the evidence from the Thirlwall inquiry and the considered critiques from these two experienced police officers.
The neonatal unit at...
Notwithstanding the points that my right hon. Friend is making, would he accept that the investigation included a range of independent, nationally recognised medical experts, including consultants and senior academics across a whole host of disciplines; and, knowing as I do that he is an enthusiastic advocate of our judicial...
Notwithstanding the points that my right hon. Friend is making, would he accept that the investigation included a range of independent, nationally recognised medical experts, including consultants and senior academics across a whole host of disciplines; and, knowing as I do that he is an enthusiastic advocate of our judicial...
I thank my right hon. Friend for her point. However, in many ways the reason the Lucy Letby case is so important—over and above the fact that it is a miscarriage of justice—is that it highlights weaknesses in the appeal procedure and the procedure for selecting and managing experts. I...
I thank my right hon. Friend for her point. However, in many ways the reason the Lucy Letby case is so important—over and above the fact that it is a miscarriage of justice—is that it highlights weaknesses in the appeal procedure and the procedure for selecting and managing experts. I...
I congratulate the right hon. Member for Goole and Pocklington (David Davis) on securing this debate and on being a formidable campaigner for the causes that he cherishes in this place. Given the time available, I do not have long to cover the range of issues.
These are serious criminal cases....
I congratulate the right hon. Member for Goole and Pocklington (David Davis) on securing this debate and on being a formidable campaigner for the causes that he cherishes in this place. Given the time available, I do not have long to cover the range of issues.
These are serious criminal cases....
I am conscious that I have denied the Minister much time to respond—that was because I do not think she has much scope for a response—but I want to place one thought with her. One reason why we are having the debate is because Members of Parliament cannot make applications...
I am conscious that I have denied the Minister much time to respond—that was because I do not think she has much scope for a response—but I want to place one thought with her. One reason why we are having the debate is because Members of Parliament cannot make applications...
I will of course take that away. We are always looking at ways to improve the IOPC system. I was with the IOPC earlier today talking about its transformation programme and the work we are trying to do.
The right hon. Gentleman made a number of remarks about Cheshire constabulary—he can...
I will of course take that away. We are always looking at ways to improve the IOPC system. I was with the IOPC earlier today talking about its transformation programme and the work we are trying to do.
The right hon. Gentleman made a number of remarks about Cheshire constabulary—he can...
The Minister will have heard, as I did, the very moving speech of the hon. Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols) last week. She really moved the House with her testimony of the terrible experience that she had had as a rape victim, and her experience of delays. She will also have heard her say that, according to the Government, abolishing jury trials will save perhaps only a week. So my positive question to the Government is this: why do we not proceed on the basis of the Labour manifesto? It has its merits and it promised specialist rape trials. Why do we not set up courtrooms in every single courthouse with specialist lawyers and really deal with the backlog now?
The Minister will have heard, as I did, the very moving speech of the hon. Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols) last week. She really moved the House with her testimony of the terrible experience that she had had as a rape victim, and her experience of delays. She will also have heard her say that, according to the Government, abolishing jury trials will save perhaps only a week. So my positive question to the Government is this: why do we not proceed on the basis of the Labour manifesto? It has its merits and it promised specialist rape trials. Why do we not set up courtrooms in every single courthouse with specialist lawyers and really deal with the backlog now?
Might I echo—
Might I echo—
Might I echo—
The Minister will have heard, as I did, the very moving speech of the hon. Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols) last week. She really moved the House with her testimony of the terrible experience that she had had as a rape victim, and her experience of delays. She will also have heard her say that, according to the Government, abolishing jury trials will save perhaps only a week. So my positive question to the Government is this: why do we not proceed on the basis of the Labour manifesto? It has its merits and it promised specialist rape trials. Why do we not set up courtrooms in every single courthouse with specialist lawyers and really deal with the backlog now?
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing greater use of evidence from automated enforcement technology in trials.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing greater use of evidence from automated enforcement technology in trials.
It is the prosecution and the defence who decide what evidence to put forward in a criminal trial, including deciding whether to put forward evidence from automated enforcement technology. Once that evidence has been put forward, the magistrates and the judge have a duty to ensure that only admissible evidence is presented to a jury.
It is the prosecution and the defence who decide what evidence to put forward in a criminal trial, including deciding whether to put forward evidence from automated enforcement technology. Once that evidence has been put forward, the magistrates and the judge have a duty to ensure that only admissible evidence is presented to a jury.
It is the prosecution and the defence who decide what evidence to put forward in a criminal trial, including deciding whether to put forward evidence from automated enforcement technology. Once that evidence has been put forward, the magistrates and the judge have a duty to ensure that only admissible evidence is presented to a jury.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing greater use of evidence from automated enforcement technology in trials.
The Government are to be commended for the largest ever investment in police technology, including facial recognition to catch serious offenders, and a drone squad to crack down on waste crime. However, the rules around admissibility of some high-tech evidence, such as the six-month crime rule, are holding back enforcement, which could enable us to stamp out low-level crime and antisocial behaviour. Can the Minister commit to reviewing these rules to ensure that the latest technology can be used to protect our communities?
The Government are to be commended for the largest ever investment in police technology, including facial recognition to catch serious offenders, and a drone squad to crack down on waste crime. However, the rules around admissibility of some high-tech evidence, such as the six-month crime rule, are holding back enforcement, which could enable us to stamp out low-level crime and antisocial behaviour. Can the Minister commit to reviewing these rules to ensure that the latest technology can be used to protect our communities?
We will keep the rules relating to the admissibility of evidence under review. When considering whether evidence is admissible, the magistrates and judge will consider its relevance, competence, materiality and probative value.
We will keep the rules relating to the admissibility of evidence under review. When considering whether evidence is admissible, the magistrates and judge will consider its relevance, competence, materiality and probative value.
We will keep the rules relating to the admissibility of evidence under review. When considering whether evidence is admissible, the magistrates and judge will consider its relevance, competence, materiality and probative value.
The Government are to be commended for the largest ever investment in police technology, including facial recognition to catch serious offenders, and a drone squad to crack down on waste crime. However, the rules around admissibility of some high-tech evidence, such as the six-month crime rule, are holding back enforcement, which could enable us to stamp out low-level crime and antisocial behaviour. Can the Minister commit to reviewing these rules to ensure that the latest technology can be used to protect our communities?
I do agree. The logical approach would be to treat this as a time-limited measure—or the Justice Secretary should consider a mandatory time-bound review, assessing the impact of these changes not only on the backlog but on trial outcomes, on equality before the law, on public confidence, and specifically on...
I do agree. The logical approach would be to treat this as a time-limited measure—or the Justice Secretary should consider a mandatory time-bound review, assessing the impact of these changes not only on the backlog but on trial outcomes, on equality before the law, on public confidence, and specifically on...
May I begin by paying a huge tribute to the hon. Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols) for her testimony to the House today? It was a privilege to be here to hear it, and it will last long in the memory.
I do not have a huge amount of experience...
May I begin by paying a huge tribute to the hon. Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols) for her testimony to the House today? It was a privilege to be here to hear it, and it will last long in the memory.
I do not have a huge amount of experience...
Not just now.
I say to the House, in all conscience, that jury trial is precious. Why? It is precious because it unites all parts of the political spectrum. It is precious because it allows the people of this country to be directly engaged in the adjudication of guilt or innocence...
Not just now.
I say to the House, in all conscience, that jury trial is precious. Why? It is precious because it unites all parts of the political spectrum. It is precious because it allows the people of this country to be directly engaged in the adjudication of guilt or innocence...
It was telling when Jo Hamilton OBE wrote to the Justice Secretary—I think it was yesterday—to respectfully remind him that, as a victim of the Post Office Horizon scandal, under the legislation proposed, not one of the 900 sub-postmasters who were convicted would have been entitled to a trial before...
It was telling when Jo Hamilton OBE wrote to the Justice Secretary—I think it was yesterday—to respectfully remind him that, as a victim of the Post Office Horizon scandal, under the legislation proposed, not one of the 900 sub-postmasters who were convicted would have been entitled to a trial before...
I, too, pay tribute to those Members of the House who made exceptional contributions, particularly my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols). Her bravery today will be the debate’s real stand-out moment.
As we all know, the backdrop to this Bill is a court system that is facing...
I, too, pay tribute to those Members of the House who made exceptional contributions, particularly my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington North (Charlotte Nichols). Her bravery today will be the debate’s real stand-out moment.
As we all know, the backdrop to this Bill is a court system that is facing...
Does my hon. Friend agree that there is nothing progressive about a working-class man spending a year on remand—without a judge or a jury, and without any end to his turmoil in sight—when he may in fact be innocent?
Does my hon. Friend agree that there is nothing progressive about a working-class man spending a year on remand—without a judge or a jury, and without any end to his turmoil in sight—when he may in fact be innocent?
I completely agree. Whether they will be found innocent or guilty, people are entitled to their day in court, and within a reasonable amount of time, as are the victims who need to have their cases heard. Frankly, that also allows prisons to get on with the important work of...
I completely agree. Whether they will be found innocent or guilty, people are entitled to their day in court, and within a reasonable amount of time, as are the victims who need to have their cases heard. Frankly, that also allows prisons to get on with the important work of...
I recently met judges in Bolton who spoke about issues with prisoner transportation that are also causing serious delays. Does my hon. Friend agree that we should also look at that as a means of speeding things up and improving efficiency?
I recently met judges in Bolton who spoke about issues with prisoner transportation that are also causing serious delays. Does my hon. Friend agree that we should also look at that as a means of speeding things up and improving efficiency?
Yes, as someone who was regularly held back from going on my dinner break because we were waiting for prisoner transportation, I would always welcome further improvement of prisoner transportation. I am all for that.
To close, we are not the first Government to change the threshold for jury trials, and...
Yes, as someone who was regularly held back from going on my dinner break because we were waiting for prisoner transportation, I would always welcome further improvement of prisoner transportation. I am all for that.
To close, we are not the first Government to change the threshold for jury trials, and...
I rise to speak on a Bill that is both necessary and difficult. Let me start by saying that I support its intention to tackle a Crown court backlog that has more than doubled since the pandemic, leaving victims waiting years for justice. Let us be clear what the backlog...
I rise to speak on a Bill that is both necessary and difficult. Let me start by saying that I support its intention to tackle a Crown court backlog that has more than doubled since the pandemic, leaving victims waiting years for justice. Let us be clear what the backlog...
I very much respect what my hon. Friend is saying, but the right to elect is not an ancient right; it was introduced in 1855 and escaped reforms in the 1970s. It is therefore a relatively recent addition to the judicial armoury.
I very much respect what my hon. Friend is saying, but the right to elect is not an ancient right; it was introduced in 1855 and escaped reforms in the 1970s. It is therefore a relatively recent addition to the judicial armoury.
I thank my hon. Friend for that contribution.
For ethnic minority communities, that right has been seen as a vital protection against fear of bias, whether conscious or unconscious. A diverse jury of 12 brings the common sense of the community into the room; a single judge, however learned, does not...
I thank my hon. Friend for that contribution.
For ethnic minority communities, that right has been seen as a vital protection against fear of bias, whether conscious or unconscious. A diverse jury of 12 brings the common sense of the community into the room; a single judge, however learned, does not...
The Judicial Executive Board produced a report on judicial bullying and racism in 2022, but has never published it. Does my hon. Friend agree that that backs up her point that there are concerns about the judiciary?
The Judicial Executive Board produced a report on judicial bullying and racism in 2022, but has never published it. Does my hon. Friend agree that that backs up her point that there are concerns about the judiciary?
I absolutely agree. That does back up what I am saying.
I am not suggesting that our judiciary is biased, but perception matters, so I ask the Minister for two specific assurances. First, the Bill contains no clear statutory review, and there is no start or end date. Clause 3 allows...
I absolutely agree. That does back up what I am saying.
I am not suggesting that our judiciary is biased, but perception matters, so I ask the Minister for two specific assurances. First, the Bill contains no clear statutory review, and there is no start or end date. Clause 3 allows...
My hon. Friend is making a very good speech and putting victims at the heart of what she is saying. I share some of her concerns about the legislation as it stands, but does she agree that we should vote for it today, so that we have the opportunity to...
My hon. Friend is making a very good speech and putting victims at the heart of what she is saying. I share some of her concerns about the legislation as it stands, but does she agree that we should vote for it today, so that we have the opportunity to...
I agree absolutely. Unless we work together to sort this out, we will not get a decent Bill that everybody can be happy with. To just throw it out at this stage would serve no purpose for anyone.
The crisis in our courts demands action, and the Government are right to...
I agree absolutely. Unless we work together to sort this out, we will not get a decent Bill that everybody can be happy with. To just throw it out at this stage would serve no purpose for anyone.
The crisis in our courts demands action, and the Government are right to...
I am delighted to speak as an enthusiastic supporter of the Courts and Tribunals Bill. I wish to put on record my thanks to both the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Courts and Legal Services for their excellent work before the Bill came to this place, which included...
I am delighted to speak as an enthusiastic supporter of the Courts and Tribunals Bill. I wish to put on record my thanks to both the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Courts and Legal Services for their excellent work before the Bill came to this place, which included...
The hon. Member seems entirely ignorant of the success in Liverpool Crown court, where from 23 June, Operation Expedite reduced court delays by one third. Does he not think that it is worth replicating that experiment, which has been so successful in Liverpool, before curtailing the right to trial by...
The hon. Member seems entirely ignorant of the success in Liverpool Crown court, where from 23 June, Operation Expedite reduced court delays by one third. Does he not think that it is worth replicating that experiment, which has been so successful in Liverpool, before curtailing the right to trial by...
I completely accept that there have been successes in some parts of the country, including in Liverpool, but that is not the case elsewhere, which is why a much wider package of structural reforms is essential. I firmly believe, in response to that point, that we must pull every lever...
I completely accept that there have been successes in some parts of the country, including in Liverpool, but that is not the case elsewhere, which is why a much wider package of structural reforms is essential. I firmly believe, in response to that point, that we must pull every lever...
If the hon. Gentleman believes that we should not have a pick and mix approach to Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals, why does he think that the Government have chosen only some of the measures and not others?
If the hon. Gentleman believes that we should not have a pick and mix approach to Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals, why does he think that the Government have chosen only some of the measures and not others?
The Government can put certain measures into one piece of primary legislation, but there could be others down the line to pick up the recommendations of the review.
We must remember that magistrates, prison and probation officers and police officers will not thank us if we preside over an unreformed system...
The Government can put certain measures into one piece of primary legislation, but there could be others down the line to pick up the recommendations of the review.
We must remember that magistrates, prison and probation officers and police officers will not thank us if we preside over an unreformed system...
I draw the attention of the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests: I am a member of the Bar.
I rise to oppose the plan to curtail jury trials, because restricting jury trials is wrong in principle and wrong in practice. Trial by jury is not...
I draw the attention of the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests: I am a member of the Bar.
I rise to oppose the plan to curtail jury trials, because restricting jury trials is wrong in principle and wrong in practice. Trial by jury is not...
I, too, am a passionate believer in the jury system, but Sweden—which is No. 1 in the World Justice Project’s global rankings—does not use jury trials at all, and neither do Norway, Germany or the Netherlands. In France, Denmark and Canada, only the most serious cases are dealt with by...
I, too, am a passionate believer in the jury system, but Sweden—which is No. 1 in the World Justice Project’s global rankings—does not use jury trials at all, and neither do Norway, Germany or the Netherlands. In France, Denmark and Canada, only the most serious cases are dealt with by...
What I am saying is that there is a reason that we protect this liberty—this cornerstone of our system of justice and democracy. When we see this much of a change in state power, I will tell my hon. Friend who is at the receiving end first: it is black,...
What I am saying is that there is a reason that we protect this liberty—this cornerstone of our system of justice and democracy. When we see this much of a change in state power, I will tell my hon. Friend who is at the receiving end first: it is black,...
Does my hon. Friend agree that the restriction of jury trials in some cases is just one among a whole range of measures, and that in order to protect really vulnerable victims—for example, rape victims, who will have a jury trial—we need to make the process quicker? That necessarily means...
Does my hon. Friend agree that the restriction of jury trials in some cases is just one among a whole range of measures, and that in order to protect really vulnerable victims—for example, rape victims, who will have a jury trial—we need to make the process quicker? That necessarily means...
These are not competing interests. I thank all hon. Members who have made brave and passionate speeches today—I salute their courage. Of course we want to see justice delivered to victims as soon as possible, but there is not a shred of evidence that suggests that curtailing jury trials will...
These are not competing interests. I thank all hon. Members who have made brave and passionate speeches today—I salute their courage. Of course we want to see justice delivered to victims as soon as possible, but there is not a shred of evidence that suggests that curtailing jury trials will...
My hon. Friend is generous in giving way. He is making important points about potential overreach of the state. Might I suggest that this is not the end for the Bill and that if there are concerns—people are rightly raising issues—we can progress them in Committee and at subsequent stages...
My hon. Friend is generous in giving way. He is making important points about potential overreach of the state. Might I suggest that this is not the end for the Bill and that if there are concerns—people are rightly raising issues—we can progress them in Committee and at subsequent stages...
I will come to that point. I note, Madam Deputy Speaker, that I did not get an extra minute for taking an intervention—will I get one?
I will come to that point. I note, Madam Deputy Speaker, that I did not get an extra minute for taking an intervention—will I get one?
Okay. Perhaps I have been too generous with my time.
The real fear is that these changes will not simply speed things up but change how justice is done. In the limited time I have—it is a tragedy that I have only three minutes to speak in a debate of this...
Okay. Perhaps I have been too generous with my time.
The real fear is that these changes will not simply speed things up but change how justice is done. In the limited time I have—it is a tragedy that I have only three minutes to speak in a debate of this...
First, I pay tribute to all the hon. Members across the Chamber who have contributed to the debate with their life experiences, from barristers and prosecutors to criminal justice experts, as well as the powerful victim testimony we have heard. I welcome to the Gallery those victims who have put...
First, I pay tribute to all the hon. Members across the Chamber who have contributed to the debate with their life experiences, from barristers and prosecutors to criminal justice experts, as well as the powerful victim testimony we have heard. I welcome to the Gallery those victims who have put...
Many of my constituents tell me that they are disillusioned with politics and the institutions that shape their lives. They feel alienated, with the system appearing remote, unresponsive and unaccountable—here we are again. I fear that my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary’s proposals to limit the right to trial...
Many of my constituents tell me that they are disillusioned with politics and the institutions that shape their lives. They feel alienated, with the system appearing remote, unresponsive and unaccountable—here we are again. I fear that my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary’s proposals to limit the right to trial...
Anyone who has worked on the frontline of the criminal justice system knows that the Crown court crisis has been years in the making. Underfunding, austerity, covid and the changing nature of crime, with cases becoming increasingly complex and evidential volumes growing exponentially, have compounded the issue.
The changes in the...
Anyone who has worked on the frontline of the criminal justice system knows that the Crown court crisis has been years in the making. Underfunding, austerity, covid and the changing nature of crime, with cases becoming increasingly complex and evidential volumes growing exponentially, have compounded the issue.
The changes in the...
This is the crux of the issue that we are discussing today: how do make sure that justice is given to victims as quickly as possible? Does my hon. Friend agree that the Bill enables us to do that?
This is the crux of the issue that we are discussing today: how do make sure that justice is given to victims as quickly as possible? Does my hon. Friend agree that the Bill enables us to do that?
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend that this is about getting justice to victims, which defendants game the system to prevent.
Arguments against the Crown court bench division seem to presuppose some measure of unfairness of having a single judge deciding guilt or innocence, but district judges have sat alone...
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend that this is about getting justice to victims, which defendants game the system to prevent.
Arguments against the Crown court bench division seem to presuppose some measure of unfairness of having a single judge deciding guilt or innocence, but district judges have sat alone...
I thank my hon. Friend for making such an eloquent speech. Does she share my concern that if we were, heaven forfend, to walk away from the crucial reforms in this Bill, the police officers, prison officers, CPS staff and those who work in our Crown courts would not thank...
I thank my hon. Friend for making such an eloquent speech. Does she share my concern that if we were, heaven forfend, to walk away from the crucial reforms in this Bill, the police officers, prison officers, CPS staff and those who work in our Crown courts would not thank...
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, and I thank all those people working in the criminal justice system who, frankly, have been propping up the system with the generosity of their time, working extra hours over and above, and giving everything. They have propped up the criminal justice system...
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, and I thank all those people working in the criminal justice system who, frankly, have been propping up the system with the generosity of their time, working extra hours over and above, and giving everything. They have propped up the criminal justice system...
I rise to speak in favour of the Bill, but first I want to remind the House why these reforms matter to victims. When the powerful wave of the MeToo movement washed over us in 2017, almost 10 years after the incredible Tarana Burke began the MeToo programme in US...
I rise to speak in favour of the Bill, but first I want to remind the House why these reforms matter to victims. When the powerful wave of the MeToo movement washed over us in 2017, almost 10 years after the incredible Tarana Burke began the MeToo programme in US...
On that point, there is a backlog in the family courts of 110,000 cases, more than what we are discussing, and legal aid rates for family law have not gone up since 1997. Does my hon. Friend agree that this is an important move but we need to do more?
On that point, there is a backlog in the family courts of 110,000 cases, more than what we are discussing, and legal aid rates for family law have not gone up since 1997. Does my hon. Friend agree that this is an important move but we need to do more?
I agree that we need to do more. As a recipient of legal aid myself in the past, I know how important it is that its budget is increased.
It is almost 10 years since the birth of the MeToo movement. We must now ensure that we deliver on the hope...
I agree that we need to do more. As a recipient of legal aid myself in the past, I know how important it is that its budget is increased.
It is almost 10 years since the birth of the MeToo movement. We must now ensure that we deliver on the hope...
When debating justice, I am first minded of the victim’s right to a process producing a fair and timely verdict and the defendant’s right to know that justice has been served fairly and without delay. There is much to commend in the Bill, including the removal of the presumption of...
When debating justice, I am first minded of the victim’s right to a process producing a fair and timely verdict and the defendant’s right to know that justice has been served fairly and without delay. There is much to commend in the Bill, including the removal of the presumption of...
A foundational principle of our constitution is that everyone is bound by and entitled to the benefit of the law, but the long-running crisis in our justice system has stretched that principle to breaking point. Other right hon. and hon. Members have covered in depth the disastrous decisions by the...
A foundational principle of our constitution is that everyone is bound by and entitled to the benefit of the law, but the long-running crisis in our justice system has stretched that principle to breaking point. Other right hon. and hon. Members have covered in depth the disastrous decisions by the...
I was recently contacted by a constituent who was raped more than three years ago. Her initial court date was set for February last year, more than two years after the offence. She prepared for that day practically, mentally and emotionally, only for the hearing to be pushed back by...
I was recently contacted by a constituent who was raped more than three years ago. Her initial court date was set for February last year, more than two years after the offence. She prepared for that day practically, mentally and emotionally, only for the hearing to be pushed back by...
I really feel for my hon. Friend’s constituent. Warwickshire police used to have one of the worst records in the country for charging in rape cases, but they have turned that around and now have one of the best. Does he agree that, for the police to continue doing their...
I really feel for my hon. Friend’s constituent. Warwickshire police used to have one of the worst records in the country for charging in rape cases, but they have turned that around and now have one of the best. Does he agree that, for the police to continue doing their...
Yes, the measures are all about getting timely justice, which is why I will support the Bill.
This Labour Government inherited a system on the brink of collapse, and in which cases like my constituent’s are all too common. We must all recognise that action is sorely needed, and I welcome...
Yes, the measures are all about getting timely justice, which is why I will support the Bill.
This Labour Government inherited a system on the brink of collapse, and in which cases like my constituent’s are all too common. We must all recognise that action is sorely needed, and I welcome...
I recently visited Leeds Crown court, where I saw the benefits of some of that investment in a victim support suite, which ensured that victims, particularly of violence against women and girls, were safe and secure. Does my hon. Friend agree that both the investment and the reforms that we...
I recently visited Leeds Crown court, where I saw the benefits of some of that investment in a victim support suite, which ensured that victims, particularly of violence against women and girls, were safe and secure. Does my hon. Friend agree that both the investment and the reforms that we...
Absolutely. I have had discussions with Sir Brian Leveson on a number of occasions, and he confirms that no one measure will achieve the reforms we need; we need to take a number of measures, of which the restriction in jury trials is just one, to achieve what we are...
Absolutely. I have had discussions with Sir Brian Leveson on a number of occasions, and he confirms that no one measure will achieve the reforms we need; we need to take a number of measures, of which the restriction in jury trials is just one, to achieve what we are...