Oral Answers to Questions

John Lamont Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[The Attorney General]

I am glad that the hon. Lady has mentioned the recent inspectorate report, which I think gives a strong commendation to the CPS for its response to this pandemic. In comparative terms, there is a strong vote of confidence in the CPS’s resilience, digital capability and planning for difficulties such as these. She is right to mention the court recovery plan. As I have mentioned, the Lord Chancellor has published a detailed plan. Many measures are under consideration. There is a strong commitment to the right to jury trial, but no decisions have been made yet.

[John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)]

What steps she is taking to prevent media reporting which may lead to contempt of court.

[Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)]

What steps she is taking to prevent conventional and social media reporting which may lead to contempt of court; and if she will make a statement.

[John Lamont]

Does the Solicitor General agree that on the whole the press does act responsibly and is swift to act in relation to material that may be prejudicial to court proceedings?

[The Solicitor General]

My hon. Friend is right, and it is right to acknowledge that the press is on the whole very responsible in its reporting of court proceedings, which is why issuing a media advisory notice is an exceptional course of action. In the past 12 months, I have only done that twice. However, it remains an important power, which will be used if necessary.