Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jake Richards and Alistair Strathern

Tuesday 15th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Alistair Strathern (Hitchin) (Lab)]

T7. Failings in the family court system are having a heartbreaking impact on too many in my constituency. In one instance, a mother and her child have been waiting since last November for non-molestation papers to be served. In the meantime, they have had not one, not two, but eight failed court hearings where process failings have meant the papers could not be served, exposing them to risk and continued stress and strain over a very long period. Will the Minister meet them to discuss how we can put this right and fix the broken system?

[Jake Richards]

I am not just happy to meet them; I am keen to meet them. If we are going to improve the family justice system, we need to hear from those who have experienced it. We are rolling out child-focused courts, which will help, but we have to improve productivity more generally, and we are getting on with that.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jake Richards and Alistair Strathern

Tuesday 19th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Jake Richards]

I thank the hon. Member for that important question; he is right to raise the matter. Indeed, he raised a similar theme in the Commons just yesterday. Lord Timpson has a particular focus on female offenders and women inmates in prison, and he will make an announcement in due course.

[Alistair Strathern (Hitchin) (Lab)]

12. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support men and boys through the criminal justice system.