Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bowie and Lucy Frazer

Wednesday 10th February 2021 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Frazer]

The hon. Member raises an important issue in relation to diversity in the judiciary, and it is important to ensure that women and black and ethnic minorities come through the system as lawyers. Indeed, there are a lot of women coming through the system, but we need to improve that as well. From 2014 to 2019, there have been some small improvements in judicial diversity. The proportion of women judges increased from 24% to 32% in the courts and from 43% to 46% in tribunals, and the proportion of BAME judges increased from 6% to 7% in the courts and from 9% to 11% in tribunals, but we need to do more work. The judiciary is independent, and I know that it is very concerned about this issue.

[Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (Con)]

What steps the Government are taking to tackle discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.