Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Gloria De Piero Excerpts
Tuesday 5th September 2017

(6 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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As the hon. Gentleman knows, the centre that was the subject of last night’s programme is accountable to the Home Office. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is concerned about the allegations and appropriate action is being taken.

On the hon. Gentleman’s broader point, legal aid is still available for asylum cases. I would certainly hope that appropriate measures are taken in every relevant establishment to bring those rights to the attention of anyone who is detained and might qualify for legal aid.

Gloria De Piero Portrait Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab)
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May I press the Secretary of State on a publication date for the legal aid review? Will he tell me how many people who have been denied legal aid since the Government changed the criteria the Government have heard from?

David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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I would hope to able to give Parliament details in the relatively near future. I am conscious that this work has been promised. We have not yet been able to make an announcement, but the hon. Lady will appreciate that matters such as a general election and a change of Ministers have intervened. I want to press ahead with this as soon as possible.