Oral Answers to Questions

Jeremy Corbyn Excerpts

Tuesday 21st May 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

This is an area that we will keep under review. I am very happy to take sensible suggestions from my hon. Friend.

[Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab)]

How can the Minister possibly claim that these changes are not damaging access to justice, when she knows full well that by reducing the possibility of taking cases to judicial review, public authorities and the Executive cannot be held to account by ordinary citizens? Why is she destroying what is so important in our justice system in this country?

[Mrs Grant]

We believe our proposals strike the right balance. They are proportionate and targeted, and do not restrict access to justice, the rule of law or the right to a fair hearing. Our proposals also encompass a number of safeguards to help vulnerable people.

--- Later in debate ---

[Chris Grayling]

On this matter, I have a lot of sympathy with what my hon. Friend says. He may have sensed from my recent comments that I am looking closely at this area. I hope to be able to provide further reassurances to him in due course.

[Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab)]

T6. Will the Secretary of State assure the House that he and the Government have no plans to withdraw from the European convention on human rights?

[Chris Grayling]

It is not the policy of the coalition Government to withdraw from the European convention on human rights. My party is looking at what proposals we want to put to the country at the next general election. The vast majority of the population want changes to our human rights framework. If the Labour party disagrees, I look forward to having that debate.