Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lucy Frazer and Tom Pursglove

Tuesday 9th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Frazer]

We do make a lot of court reform because we are spending £1 billion to bring our court system up to date. In relation to legal aid, we have an ongoing review that will report at the end of the year, and we will be evaluating our court reform programme.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

11. What steps the Government are taking to improve the court experience for victims and witnesses.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Lucy Frazer)]

The shadow Minister makes a very important point, and the issue has also been highlighted by The Guardian. The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 says that the conduct of the parties in a divorce can be taken into account in the distribution of assets and, if it would be inequitable, to disregard it. I am very happy to discuss the issue with her and to meet her to do so.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

T7. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that when two parties take the decision to divorce, the legal process does not exacerbate conflict?

[Lucy Frazer]

My hon. Friend makes an important point. Once parties have made a decision to get divorced, the law should make it straightforward for them to do so, making it less acrimonious, which makes it better for children. For that reason, on 15 September we launched our reducing family conflict consultation on no-fault divorce.