Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Foody Excerpts

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Solicitor General]

I thank my hon. Friend, as always, for his insightful comments. In his report, Sir Brian Leveson estimated that the reforms would speed up cases by 20%. The Deputy Prime Minister recently visited Canada, where he was informed that the change could speed up cases by as much as 50%. Any reform must go hand in hand with investment, which is why we have seen an increase in sitting days—now at their highest ever—as well as investment into criminal defence lawyers and the crumbling courtrooms that were left behind by 14 years of Conservative Government.

[Emma Foody (Cramlington and Killingworth) (Lab/Co-op)]

I know from my experience serving as a magistrate the crucial role that magistrates play in our criminal justice system. They are more representative of our country as a whole and the communities that they serve. We all know the pressures on the courts system, so can the Solicitor General set out the role that magistrates can play in bringing down the backlog and victim attrition rates?

[The Solicitor General]

Can I start by thanking my hon. Friend for her service as a magistrate? Magistrates have a huge role to play in our criminal justice system. Cases in magistrates courts continue to be dealt with swiftly, despite increased demand. Magistrates hear around 1.3 million cases per year, which normally ensures that there is around six months of work ready for magistrates to hear at any time. We are accelerating our programme to recruit more new and diverse magistrates and are committed to supporting magistrates. They are the backbone of local justice and keep the entire system turning.