Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Duncan Baker and Gareth Johnson

Tuesday 18th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Gareth Johnson]

I totally reject the argument that somehow the Common Platform is responsible for the backlog in the courts; it is not. What happened is that the backlog in the courts increased during covid. We were the first country in the world to recommence jury trials and get our courts back working again. The backlog was going down, but we then had the Bar strike, which, understandably, increased it because barristers were not working, but thanks to the actions of the Lord Chancellor, we now have resolved that issue and can look forward to the backlog coming down.

[Duncan Baker (North Norfolk) (Con)]

11. What recent steps his Department has taken to help support criminal barristers return to work.