To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.


Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Prisons: Coronavirus
Tuesday 9th June 2020

Asked by: Ben Spencer (Conservative - Runnymede and Weybridge)

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

What steps his Department has taken to tackle covid-19 on the prison estate.

Answered by Lucy Frazer - Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

We have restricted regimes, minimised transfers between prisons and boosted staffing at the frontline and supported prisoners to maintain family ties.

Prisons are also implementing a ‘compartmentalisation’ strategy to isolate the sick, shield the vulnerable and quarantine new arrivals.

Latest public health advice suggests that the measures we have been taking to tackle covid-19 have helped to limit the spread of the virus in prisons.


Written Question
Marriage: Coronavirus
Tuesday 12th May 2020

Asked by: Ben Spencer (Conservative - Runnymede and Weybridge)

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress the Government is making on bringing forward legislative proposals to ensure that local authorities can extend legal notices on marriages postponed as a result of the covid-19 lockdown.

Answered by Alex Chalk - Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

The Government acknowledges the significant upheaval that Covid-19 is causing for couples who were looking to marry at this time. The requirement to solemnize a marriage within twelve months of giving notice to marry is set out in primary legislation and would require primary legislation to amend.

We are exploring what changes might be possible in relation to marriages at this time, and in line with Public Health England guidance on social distancing.