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Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the Courts and Tribunals Bill scheduled to return to the house after conference recess will contain clauses 1 to 8 relating to jury trials.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Government has confirmed that the Courts and Tribunals Bill will return to the House of Commons in October, when Parliament will have the opportunity to continue its consideration of the Bill.

The Prime Minister has said he wants to look in detail at the proposals. It is right that the new administration takes the time to consider the measures, review the evidence, and consider the wide range of views on this legislation.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the time taken between a defendant being charged and their trial taking place on victims of sexual offences.

Answered by Jake Richards - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

Delays in the criminal justice system can have a significant impact on victims of sexual offences. This Government is taking decisive action to revive our criminal court system to reduce delays and the impact they have on all victims, including those of rape and sexual offences.

After commissioning Sir Brian Leveson to undertake an independent review of our criminal courts, on 25 February the Government introduced the Courts and Tribunals Bill. The Bill introduces measures to reduce demand on the Crown Court, protect children and modernise our court system. These measures make a commitment to reduce the Crown Court backlog and get victims their day in court more quickly. The Bill also introduces a package of crucial reforms to protect victims, particularly victims of sexual offences, from unnecessary and intrusive cross-examination about their personal lives at court.

We are supporting victims through record funding for support services, with £550 million over the Spending Review period. Victims of rape are also supported through dedicated Victim Liaison Officers, pre-trial meetings and the introduction of independent legal advisers for victims of adult rape.

Alongside wider support measures, pre-recorded cross-examination (section 28) can help reduce the impact of delays by enabling victims to give evidence earlier. The Ministry of Justice’s 2025 section 28 impact evaluation found that, between January 2019 and September 2022, the measure reduced the time between an alleged offence and cross-examination by around five months.

The judiciary has also published a new national listing framework, which makes explicit for the first time that rape and other sexual offence cases should be prioritised.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to proceed with the proposed restrictions to jury trials in the Courts and Tribunals Bill.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Government has confirmed that the Courts and Tribunals Bill will return to the House of Commons in October, when Parliament will have the opportunity to continue its consideration of the Bill.

Measures in the Courts and Tribunals Bill are based on Sir Brian Leveson’s recommendations in his Independent Review of the Criminal Courts and are designed to reduce demand in the Crown Court. The Prime Minister has said he wants to look in detail at the proposals. It is right that the new administration takes the time to consider the measures, review the evidence, and consider the wide range of views on this legislation.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the (a) sufficiency and (b) consistency of application of support and protection available to victims of stalking offences throughout the criminal justice process.

Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Government is committed to ensuring that victims of stalking receive appropriate support and protection throughout the criminal justice process. Victims of stalking are entitled to support under the Victims’ Code, including access to information about their case, referral to support services and assistance tailored to their needs.

Victims of stalking may be eligible for special measures where fear or distress caused by the offence is likely to affect the quality of their evidence, to help them give their best evidence in court. These can include giving evidence by a live link or from behind a screen, where approved by the court. Through the Courts and Tribunals Bill, we are also introducing a new measure allowing eligible victims and witnesses to be accompanied by a professional supporter while giving evidence, such as an Independent Stalking Advocate.

We are strengthening the use of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) by enabling courts to impose them on both conviction and acquittal. In addition, up to ten police forces across England and Wales will receive funding to establish specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Protection Order teams to strengthen the use and enforcement of court orders that keep people safe from harm including from stalking, domestic abuse, sexual harm and forced marriage. This is alongside a record investment of over £550 million in victim and witness support services over the next three years, to ensure victims receive both protection and support they need, as well as providing funding for the National Stalking Helpline, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to deliver justice for victims of sexual violence.

Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

This Government is committed to ensuring that all victims of sexual violence can get the justice they deserve. On 18 December 2025, we published our VAWG Strategy; ‘Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls’, which sets out how we will support victims and halve VAWG over the next decade.

The Ministry of Justice is supporting victims with the largest ever investment of over £550 million in victim support services over the next three years. This includes funding for Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales to commission support services for victims of all crime types, including sexual violence. We provide funding for the National 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, and to over 60 specialist organisations through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, helping victims to cope with their experiences and move forward with their lives. We have also recently announced a further £18.9 million investment to support victims affected by the Progression Model. This includes a new national helpline and more funding for local and specialist services, including a specialist VAWG programme.

To improve timeliness for victims whose cases are before the court we have funded record numbers of sitting days in the Crown Court and introduced essential criminal court reforms through the Courts and Tribunals Bill. This action will improve timeliness in the Crown Court and speed up justice for all victims, including victims of rape.

We are ensuring that victims’ rights are upheld by introducing a package of court measures to protect victims, particularly of sexual offences, from unnecessary and intrusive cross-examination about their personal lives. We will also roll out a free Independent Legal Advisor service for victims of adult rape, have enabled access to free transcripts of sentencing remarks for victims of rape and other sex offences whose cases are heard at the Crown Court, and have rolled out trauma informed training to all HMCTS court staff so that victims at court are treated with care and respect.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of changes to jury trials proposed in the Courts and Tribunals Bill on the Crown Court backlog.

Answered by Lord Lemos - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The published Impact Assessment for the Courts and Tribunals Bill shows that the structural reform package in the Bill is expected to reduce incoming demand on Crown Court time by almost 20%. The Impact Assessment can be found here: (Courts and Tribunals Bill (Structural Criminal Court) Impact Assessment).

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to support further progress of the Courts and Tribunals Bill through Parliament.

Answered by Lord Lemos - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

This Government understands the pressure that is currently on the court system. The Crown Court backlog currently stands at over 80,000 cases and over 22,000 of those cases have been open for over a year. Behind each of those cases is someone awaiting justice – defendants seeking to clear their name and victims putting their lives on hold. The Crown Court caseload means that thousands of victims and witnesses are waiting years for their day in court. This cannot be acceptable. The justice system exists to serve the public, and this Government is committed to building a stronger justice system in which the public can have confidence.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and will have report stage in the House of Commons when parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to make further progress with the Courts and Tribunals Bill.

Answered by Lord Lemos - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

This Government understands the pressure that is currently on the court system. The Crown Court backlog currently stands at over 80,000 cases and over 22,000 of those cases have been open for over a year. Behind each of those cases is someone awaiting justice – defendants seeking to clear their name and victims putting their lives on hold. The Crown Court caseload means that thousands of victims and witnesses are waiting years for their day in court. This cannot be acceptable. The justice system exists to serve the public, and this Government is committed to building a stronger justice system in which the public can have confidence.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and will have report stage in the House of Commons when parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of changes to jury trials in the Courts and Tribunals Bill on (1) the Crown Court backlog, and (2) the rule of law.

Answered by Lord Lemos - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Impact Assessment for the Courts and Tribunals Bill shows that the structural reform package in the Bill is expected to reduce incoming demand on the Crown Court by almost 20%. It also shows that reforms will support the rule of law by improving access to justice through increased case disposals, strengthening confidence in legal institutions, and supporting a more effective and resilient justice system.

The Impact Assessment can be found, attached.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what measures the Government is taking to strengthen public confidence in the prioritisation of tackling violence against women and girls through criminal justice system.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a top priority for this Government. Our ambition is to halve the levels of these crimes within a decade. To do this we must take steps to reform the police response to VAWG, bring the police closer to the communities they serve and make sure we have the right policing in the right places.

We are committed to strengthening the criminal justice system and empowering victims with specialist support. This includes implementing specialist rape and sexual offence teams in every police force in England and Wales by 2029.

We have established the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection (NCVPP) to provide coordinated leadership on VAWG within policing, ensuring it is treated as a top priority alongside counter terrorism and serious organised crime. Backed by over £13 million of Home Office funding this year, the NCVPP will work with every force across England and Wales to drive consistent practice and support operational improvements through strengthened training for officers, updated national guidance, and targeted support to improve practice.

We are taking decisive action to revive our criminal courts and address long-standing issues that impact victims of VAWG. After commissioning Sir Brian Leveson to undertake an independent review of our criminal courts, on the 25th of February the Government introduced the Courts and Tribunals Bill. The Bill introduces measures to reduce demand on the Crown Court and modernise our court system, to ensure swifter justice for victims including victims of VAWG offences. It introduces a package of crucial reforms protect victims, particularly victims of sexual offences, from unnecessary and intrusive cross-examination about their personal lives at court.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to ensure adequate legal aid funding for low-income defendants.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

In England and Wales, legal aid for defendants appearing at the magistrates’ court and Crown Court is means tested. The income thresholds are different in each court.

All defendants at the Crown Court are eligible for legal aid provided their annual disposable income is less than £37,500, although some may have to pay contributions. Convicted defendants may be required to pay contributions on their capital assets above £30k. The magistrates’ court test only considers income, with no contributions payable.

Defendants in receipt of specified welfare benefits may be ‘passported’ through the means test at both courts. This includes all defendants in receipt of Universal Credit and Guaranteed State Pension Credit who are deemed eligible for legal aid. All youth defendants under 18 years old are also passported through the means test.

There is also a hardship review mechanism in both courts for those defendants who do not pass the legal aid means assessment but face higher than usual household expenditure or higher than usual private defence costs.

The court duty solicitor scheme at the magistrates’ court may provide non-means tested legal representation to a defendant at their first hearing if they have been charged with an imprisonable offence.

The Government is currently considering the implications of the reforms being introduced by the Courts and Tribunals Bill in relation to criminal legal aid eligibility.

This Government has also taken steps to strengthen the criminal legal aid system overall, helping to maintain high-quality legal representation for low-income defendants.  In December 2025, we announced additional funding of up to £34 million a year for criminal legal aid advocates.

This is in addition to the significant uplifts to criminal legal aid solicitor fees this Government has already implemented – which will be worth around an additional £116 million per year once in steady state.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to improve access to justice for vulnerable individuals.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

We are taking action across the justice system to improve access to justice for vulnerable people by strengthening legal support, investing in legal aid and making courts and tribunals more accessible.

We have made significant investments in legal aid to support the sustainability of the sector, helping to ensure vulnerable individuals can access legal aid when they need it. This includes the first major fee uplifts in civil legal aid since 1996, increasing spend on immigration and housing work by around £20 million a year once fully implemented. We have also announced up to £34 million a year for criminal legal aid advocates, alongside previous increases to criminal legal aid solicitor fees worth around £116 million a year once fully implemented.

We are providing nearly £20 million of multi-year funding for legal support services to help people with social welfare legal problems.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service continues to improve accessibility through reasonable adjustments, including interpreters, intermediaries, accessible information, digital support for those who are digitally excluded, and remote participation where appropriate. Special measures, including live links, intermediaries and pre-recorded cross-examination, are available to support vulnerable court users, with further reforms included in the Courts and Tribunals Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the number of criminal trials which will be vacated because of judicial, courtroom and prosecutorial capacity constraints during 2026; whether his Department maintains internal data on the principal causes of trial adjournments; and whether regional league tables are produced.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Ministry of Justice does not model or estimate the number of future criminal trials that will be vacated due to judicial, courtroom or prosecutorial capacity restraints. However, the Ministry of Justice does hold information on past trial effectiveness, including vacated trials, which is published as part of Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly and can be accessed through the ‘Trial effectiveness at the criminal courts Tool’: Criminal court statistics - GOV.UK.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold information on the principal causes of trial adjournments. However, the Ministry does publish information on ineffective trials, which are trials that do not proceed on the scheduled trial date and require a new listing to be scheduled. This can be due to action or inaction by one or more of the prosecution, the defence or the court.

Data on ineffective trials is published in the ‘Trial effectiveness at the criminal courts tool’, including the reasons for postponement and geographical breakdowns: Criminal court statistics - GOV.UK.

Following from Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, the Government is taking action to modernise the criminal court system, reduce the Crown Court caseload and deliver swifter justice for all.

The reforms introduced in the Courts and Tribunals Bill are intended to modernise and improve the system, to build a criminal courts system that is resilient, flexible, better equipped to manage the types and characteristics of today’s crimes and to enable a more proportionate allocation of resources across the criminal courts.

Alongside structural reform, the Deputy Prime Minister has announced several measures we are taking forward to drive efficiency – including rolling out case coordinators in every Crown Court centre, exploring the use of new AI technologies and supporting the Lady Chief Justice to set up the first ever National Listing Framework, which has now been published. Sir Brian’s conclusion was clear that structural reform, efficiencies, and investment are all critical to turn the tide on the Crown Court backlog and deliver swifter justice for all. That is why we are also delivering record financial investment, including uncapped Crown Court sitting days, additional funding for criminal legal aid, and £287 million to improve court buildings and digital infrastructure. We are considering the remainder of Sir Brian’s recommendations and will publish our full response in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what modelling he has undertaken of the Crown Court backlog under (a) current funding levels and (b) alternative funding scenarios; when the backlog will return to pre-pandemic levels; and whether regional projections have been prepared.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Department publishes Crown Court open caseload projections annually. The current release (from December 2025) is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/prison-population-projections-2025-to-2030. We do not have equivalent projections at a regional level.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2026. That week, we also announced that there will be no financial limit to the amount of work the Crown Court can take on for the next financial year – in 2026-27, we are enabling the Crown Court to work at full judicial and court system capacity.

We published an impact factsheet alongside the Bill, assessing how the Government’s financial commitments on sitting days could affect the Crown Court open caseload under different scenarios. This can be found at: Courts and Tribunals Bill - GOV.UK. Only by pulling every lever we have – investment, efficiency and structural reform – can we turn the tide on the open caseload.

For data on the latest backlog volume, see the ‘Crown Court Receipts, Disposals and Open cases tool’ in the Criminal Court Statistics quarterly release: Criminal court statistics quarterly: January to March 2026 - GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent steps he has taken to support victims of domestic abuse.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

On 18 December 2025, we published our VAWG Strategy; ‘Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls’, which sets out how we will support all victims of VAWG, including domestic abuse.

Recently, the Ministry of Justice has already committed to many changes and initiatives to support victims of domestic abuse, including:

• Supporting victims with the largest ever investment of £550 million in victim support services over the next three years;

• Introducing a domestic abuse identifier at sentencing in criminal cases to enable police, prisons and probation to more consistently identify domestic abuse offenders. This will mean improved support for victims, whether the domestic abuse perpetrator is in the community or in prison;

• Stronger perpetrator management through the national rollout of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders across all police forces in England and Wales which, will allow tough restrictions on abusers and can include behaviour change programmes, to stop the cycle of abuse from repeating; and

• Considering measures to achieve better outcomes for victims in criminal courts, including considering how to expand the use of Specialist Domestic Abuse Courts.

We are also introducing measures through the Courts and Tribunals Bill to recognise the overlap between different forms of domestic abuse – such as coercive control or sexual offending. Legislation will clarify that any domestic abuse conviction can show propensity for this kind of behaviour, even if the offender has not committed the ‘same offence’ each time.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will take steps to expedite rape and sexual violence cases so that victim do not wait more than six months for their case to be heard in court.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record number of cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court. Victims are facing an unacceptably long wait for justice and without action, the situation will continue to spiral.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill currently before Parliament introduces measures to reduce the Crown Court open caseload and modernise our court system. The uncapping of Crown Court sitting days in the 26/27 financial year will also mean more rape and other sexual offence cases can be heard. Alongside this, judges will continue to prioritise cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses, including rape and other sexual offences.

We recognise that lengthy delays can be particularly difficult for victims of rape and sexual violence and are taking forward a range of measures to improve the experience of these victims through the criminal justice system. This includes introducing independent legal advisors for adult rape victims, rolling out trauma-informed training to all court staff, and delivering legislative reforms to protect victims, particularly victims of sexual offences, from unnecessary and intrusive cross-examination about their personal lives at court.

The Ministry of Justice has also committed £550 million to victim support services over the next three years. This includes grant funding to Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales to commission local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types, including sexual violence. The Ministry of Justice provides funding to over 60 specialist organisations through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, helping victims to cope with their experiences and move forward with their lives, and the National 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is also available to victims of these crimes.

Alongside this wider work, the Government remains committed to its manifesto pledge to introduce specialist courts for rape.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of court delays on the mental wellbeing of victims of sexual violence in Hertsmere constituency.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record number of cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court. Victims are facing an unacceptably long wait for justice and without action, the situation will continue to spiral.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill currently before Parliament introduces measures to reduce the Crown Court open caseload and modernise our court system. The uncapping of Crown Court sitting days in the 26/27 financial year will also mean more rape and other sexual offence cases can be heard. Alongside this, judges will continue to prioritise cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses, including rape and other sexual offences.

We recognise that lengthy delays can be particularly difficult for victims of rape and sexual violence and are taking forward a range of measures to improve the experience of these victims through the criminal justice system. This includes introducing independent legal advisors for adult rape victims, rolling out trauma-informed training to all court staff, and delivering legislative reforms to protect victims, particularly victims of sexual offences, from unnecessary and intrusive cross-examination about their personal lives at court.

The Ministry of Justice has also committed £550 million to victim support services over the next three years. This includes grant funding to Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales to commission local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types, including sexual violence. The Ministry of Justice provides funding to over 60 specialist organisations through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, helping victims to cope with their experiences and move forward with their lives, and the National 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is also available to victims of these crimes.

Alongside this wider work, the Government remains committed to its manifesto pledge to introduce specialist courts for rape.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to reduce court delays for victims of sexual violence.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record number of cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court. Victims are facing an unacceptably long wait for justice and without action, the situation will continue to spiral.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill currently before Parliament introduces measures to reduce the Crown Court open caseload and modernise our court system. The uncapping of Crown Court sitting days in the 26/27 financial year will also mean more rape and other sexual offence cases can be heard. Alongside this, judges will continue to prioritise cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses, including rape and other sexual offences.

We recognise that lengthy delays can be particularly difficult for victims of rape and sexual violence and are taking forward a range of measures to improve the experience of these victims through the criminal justice system. This includes introducing independent legal advisors for adult rape victims, rolling out trauma-informed training to all court staff, and delivering legislative reforms to protect victims, particularly victims of sexual offences, from unnecessary and intrusive cross-examination about their personal lives at court.

The Ministry of Justice has also committed £550 million to victim support services over the next three years. This includes grant funding to Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales to commission local practical, emotional, and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types, including sexual violence. The Ministry of Justice provides funding to over 60 specialist organisations through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, helping victims to cope with their experiences and move forward with their lives, and the National 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is also available to victims of these crimes.

Alongside this wider work, the Government remains committed to its manifesto pledge to introduce specialist courts for rape.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of decision making in family court proceedings relating to child arrangements.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

Judicial decisions in family court proceedings relating to child arrangements are a matter for the independent judiciary.

The Government is, however, committed to ensuring that outcomes in the family justice system prioritise the welfare of children. That is why in October 2025, we published the Review of the Presumption of Parental Involvement. The Review considered how decisions were made within private law children proceedings and the impact these decisions had upon child welfare. The published review can be found at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68f5f5c206e6515f7914c7e3/Review_of_the_Presumption_of_Parental_Involvement_Final_Report_.pdf.

We are delivering reforms to address identified challenges in the system. These include the national rollout of Child Focused Courts, and the repeal of the presumption of parental involvement from the Children Act 1989 through the Courts and Tribunals Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of measures introduced to reduce delays in criminal courts.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Courts and Tribunals Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2026.

We published an impact assessment alongside the Bill, which includes an assessment of the impact of measures in the Bill - Courts and Tribunals Bill - GOV.UK

The Impact Assessment shows that the structural reform package in the Courts and Tribunals Bill is expected to reduce incoming demand on the Crown Court by almost 20%. That is the equivalent of around 27,000 fewer sitting days being needed in the Crown Court to get through cases.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to jury trials on the criminal justice system.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Courts and Tribunals Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2026.

Alongside the Bill, an impact assessment of our proposed justice reforms was published. This includes an assessment of the impact of proposed changes in the threshold for who can access a jury trial - Courts and Tribunals Bill - GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress he has made on establishing specialist courts for rape cases at every Crown Court location in England and Wales.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

We remain fully committed to our manifesto pledge to introduce specialist rape courts. As part of this, we are carefully considering how best to deliver specialist court models, recognising that any approach must work alongside wider efforts to reduce Crown Court caseload and ensure sufficient judicial and legal capacity. We continue to work closely with the independent judiciary and will set out further detail in due course.

Alongside this, we are taking forward a range of measures to improve the experience of victims of rape at court. This includes introducing independent legal advisors for adult rape victims, rolling out trauma-informed training to all court staff, and bringing forward reforms through the Courts and Tribunals Bill to strengthen protections for victims in the courtroom.

More broadly, these reforms form part of our wider mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, ensuring that victims are better supported and able to have confidence in the criminal justice system.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Department is taking to reduce delays for court cases involving child or vulnerable witnesses.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising caseload. We know that some victims are waiting years for justice – justice delayed is justice denied. This is why the Government asked Sir Brian Leveson to make recommendations for how to restore stability and confidence in the criminal courts. Sir Brian’s report set out a blueprint for pragmatic structural reform in our criminal courts and made clear that it is only by pulling every lever we have – investment, efficiency and reform – that we can we turn the tide on the backlog and begin to swifter justice for all. The Courts and Tribunals Bill is the first step to putting the reform blueprint into law.

For vulnerable witnesses, through the Courts and Tribunals Bill, we are also strengthening access to special measures, including a measure to enable vulnerable witnesses to be accompanied by a supporter when giving evidence.

For children - the listing of cases is a judicial function, but all cases in the magistrates’ and Crown courts that involve child witnesses are prioritised and regularly reviewed to ensure they are being listed as expeditiously as possible. Special measures may also apply to allow the child to pre-record their evidence. Later this year, the Lady Chief Justice plans to issue a revised practice direction, which should, amongst other things, make the prioritisation of cases requiring hearing more effective, consistent and predictable.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when he plans to respond to the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Government is grateful to Sir Brian and his panel of expert advisers for their Independent Review of the Criminal Courts. Sir Brian’s Review makes 180 recommendations aiming to reform the Criminal Justice System and drive improvements to efficiency.

Part 1 of Sir Brian’s report sets out a blueprint for pragmatic structural reform in our criminal courts. The Courts and Tribunals Bill is the first step to putting that blueprint into law. This Bill will enable much-needed reform of the criminal courts.

Part 2 of Sir Brian’s report makes 135 recommendations to improve the efficiency of the criminal courts. The report is thorough and I welcome his ambition to see real improvements to the system.

We are carefully considering the remaining recommendations from parts 1 and 2 of Sir Brian’s review, many of those require cross criminal justice system coordination with other agencies and Departments. We will set out a full response in the summer.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to ensure that the prosecution and processes that support sexual offence cases, are compliant with the Victims’ Code.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

The Victims’ Code sets out what victims can expect from the criminal justice system. The Ministry of Justice recently consulted on a draft Victims’ Code (this closed on 30 April) and the Department is currently analysing the consultation responses to ensure the Government gets the foundations right for victims in the new Code. The new Code will be complimented by a Code compliance framework which, once implemented, will place new statutory duties for criminal justice agencies, including the courts, to demonstrate compliance with victims’ rights under the Code.

To ensure victims have the support they need whilst engaging in the court process, the Courts and Tribunals Bill, will strengthen access to special measures to help victims be able to participate effectively in the justice process. For example, screening the witness from the defendant or enabling evidence via video link can help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence.

The Crown Prosecution Service also offers pre-trial meetings to adult victims of rape and serious sexual offences before they give evidence at court or before they pre-record their cross examination. Through the Code consultation, the Department will consider whether to make pre-trial meetings a specific Code right for these victims.

In addition, in 2025 the Ministry of Justice published statutory guidance on Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), setting out best practice for supporting victims. ISVAs offer practical and emotional support, such as accompanying victims when giving evidence in court or via live link.

The Department also funds the Witness Service which provides emotional support and practical assistance in court on the day of trial, such as providing information on the court process, providing a visible presence in a court building when trials are listed and (if requested by the witness and agreed by the judge) accompanying them into the courtroom when they give evidence or for the reading of their Victim Personal Statement.

The Ministry of Justice also provides significant funding for victim and witness support services, including community-based domestic abuse and sexual violence services. This is complemented by core funding to Police and Crime Commissioners who commission local services based on assessed need.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to expedite cases involving sexual offences.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis with a record and rising number of criminal cases waiting to be heard in the Crown Court. Victims are facing unacceptable delays and without action, the situation will continue to spiral, far beyond the point of recovery.

The reforms being brought forward through the recently introduced Courts and Tribunals Bill are designed to improve timeliness in the Crown Court and speed up justice for all victims, including victims of rape.

The uncapping of Crown Court sitting days in 2026/27 will mean more rape and other sexual offence cases can be heard.

Alongside this, judges will continue to prioritise cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses, including rape and other sexual offences.

We must continue to support victims until these reforms take effect, and the Deputy Prime Minister has announced investment of £550 million in victim support services over the next three years of this Spending Review period.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether there has been an impact assessment of clause 17 of the Courts and Tribunals Bill on fathers in prison who are trying to retain parental responsibility.

Answered by Baroness Levitt

Clause 17 of the Courts and Tribunals Bill will repeal the statutory presumption of parental involvement from section 1 of the Children Act 1989. The aim of repealing this measure is better to protect children from harm, including harm which might result from contact with abusive parents or resulting from decisions made by abusive parents.

The Government has thoroughly assessed the impact of repealing the statutory presumption of parental involvement. The impact assessment for Clause 17 of the Courts and Tribunals Bill does not look at fathers who are prisoners as a distinct group.

The impact assessment for this measure can be found here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/59-01/0389/Non-IRCC_impact_assessment.pdf

The equalities statement for this measure can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/699dfa26db2401de164d6c90/courts-tribunals-bill-equalities-statement.pdf

Both documents have also been attached for ease.

Repealing the statutory presumption does not diminish the importance of a parent being involved in their child’s life – through contact or through holding or exercising parental responsibility - where it is safe and beneficial. Rather, it ensures that the child’s welfare continues to be placed first in every decision.

Repealing the presumption means that courts, when making decisions, including applications related to parental responsibility, will adopt an openminded enquiry as to what is in a child’s best interests rather than starting from an assumption about parental involvement. Courts will continue to use the provisions set out in the Children Act 1989. In making decisions about the exercise of parental responsibility, the court will continue to be guided by the welfare checklist in order to ensure a thorough assessment of each child's circumstances.

Courts will continue to make orders for a parent (including a parent who is a prisoner) to be involved in a child's life, where that is safe and in the child’s best interests. HMPPS will continue to provide a range of services to maintain family contact and are updating the Strengthening Family Ties Policy Framework to reaffirm this, setting out clear expectations for how prisons should support people in custody to develop and sustain positive family relationships.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have carried out an assessment of the impact of clause 17 of the Courts and Tribunals Bill on the ongoing implementation of the 2017 and 2019 Farmer Reviews on the importance of maintaining male prisoners' and female offenders' family ties to prevent reoffending and intergenerational crime.

Answered by Baroness Levitt

Clause 17 of the Courts and Tribunals Bill will repeal the statutory presumption of parental involvement from section 1 of the Children Act 1989. The aim of repealing this measure is to better to protect children from harm, including from harm which might be caused by contact with abusive parents

The Government has thoroughly assessed the impact of repealing the statutory presumption of parental involvement. The impact assessment for Clause 17 of the Courts and Tribunals Bill does not look at prisoners as a distinct group.

The impact assessment for this measure can be found here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/59-01/0389/Non-IRCC_impact_assessment.pdf

The equalities statement for this measure can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/699dfa26db2401de164d6c90/courts-tribunals-bill-equalities-statement.pdf

Both documents have also been attached for ease.

Repealing the statutory presumption does not diminish the importance of parental involvement and contact where it is safe and beneficial. Rather, it ensures that the child’s welfare continues to be placed first in every decision.

Repealing the presumption means that courts will adopt an openminded inquiry enquiry into what is in a child’s best interests, rather than starting from an assumption about parental involvement. Courts will continue to use the provisions set out in the Children Act 1989 when making decisions, guided by the welfare checklist, in order to ensure a thorough assessment of each child's circumstances.

Courts will continue to make orders for a parent (including a parent who is a prisoner) to be involved in a child's life where that is safe and in the child’s best interests. HMPPS will continue to provide a range of services to maintain family contact and are updating the Strengthening Family Ties Policy Framework to reaffirm this, setting out clear expectations for how prisons should support people in custody to develop and sustain positive family relationships.

Found: The Courts and Tribunals Bill would reform the criminal courts and tribunals system in England and

Found: potential new statutory provisions presently contained in clauses 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the Courts and Tribunals Bill

Found: The announcement comes alongside the Courts and Tribunals Bill which will help deliver the pragmatic

Found: sectors Sir Keir Starmer 2026-03-09 The Victims Commissioner, victims of crime To discuss the Courts and Tribunals Bill

Found: Commissioner victims of crime

Found: sectors Sir Keir Starmer 2026-03-09 The Victims Commissioner, victims of crime To discuss the Courts and Tribunals Bill

Found: Commissioner victims of crime

Found: govuk-table__cell">Engagement with relevant stakeholders from across the VAWG sector regarding Courts and Tribunals Bill

Found: Roundtable Engagement with relevant stakeholders from across the VAWG sector regarding Courts and Tribunals Bill

Found: potential new statutory provisions presently contained in clauses 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the Courts and Tribunals Bill

Found: Protection of Premises) Act 2025 • Armed Forces Bill • Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill • Courts and Tribunals Bill

Found: This Bill (formally titled the Courts and Tribunals Bill) is the first step to putting that blueprint

Found: This Bill (formally titled the Courts and Tribunals Bill) is the first step to putting that blueprint

Found: This Bill (formally titled the Courts and Tribunals Bill) is the first step

Found: The measure to repeal the presumption, included in the Courts and Tribunals Bill, reflects our commitment

Found: Letter dated 08/06/2026 from Sarah Sackman MP to Courts and Tribunals Bill Committee Chairs regarding