Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between James Cartlidge and Angela Crawley

Tuesday 9th November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Angela Crawley (Lanark and Hamilton East) (SNP)]

8. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the Judicial Review and Courts Bill.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (James Cartlidge)]

The Bill had its Second Reading in this House on 26 October. As the hon. Lady knows, it is now in Committee—she is part of that Committee. The Bill fixes inefficient processes that cause delay in our justice system and gives judges more flexibility to resolve judicial reviews in a practical way. The Secretary of State discusses these matters with Cabinet colleagues, and we are confident that the package of reforms in the Bill is proportionate and effective.

[Angela Crawley]

Judicial independence is under threat across Europe, so given the Minister’s recent chilling comments that the UK Parliament should correct decisions of the judiciary that Ministers disagree with, can he see the concerns that this raises for the principle of the separation of powers? How can the UK credibly join other countries who threaten the independence of judges?

[James Cartlidge]

We have been debating these matters at length. The Bill is a very good one. It strengthens judicial review in relation to quashing orders with the new remedies. Far from what the hon. Lady said, those new remedies—for example, being able to suspend a quashing order—will bring great benefit to our constituents and support better public administration.