Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Caroline Lucas and Baroness Clark of Kilwinning

Tuesday 13th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green)]

3. What his policy is on the right of overseas victims of alleged human rights abuses by UK multinational companies to access justice in the UK.

[Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab)]

7. What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on his proposed reform of access to justice for overseas victims of corporate harm.

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Kenneth Clarke)]

Overseas victims of alleged corporate harm by UK international companies are, where appropriate, able to bring civil claims in the UK now, and that will continue to be the case following implementation of our reforms to civil litigation funding and costs. My officials and I are in contact with the Foreign and Colonial Office—[Laughter]—the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as and when necessary to discuss the impact of our proposed reforms to legal costs in this class of case in this country, the Commonwealth or the colonies.