Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Pawsey Excerpts

Tuesday 14th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Andrea Jenkyns (Morley and Outwood) (Con)]

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting victims of domestic abuse.

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting victims of domestic abuse.

[Suzanne Webb (Stourbridge) (Con)]

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting victims of domestic abuse.

--- Later in debate ---

[Robert Buckland]

My hon. Friend is right to talk about a local aspect to what is a national issue. The courts continue to prioritise cases of the utmost seriousness, which include domestic abuse. On 1 July we published a courts recovery plan, setting out how we are preparing to operate courts and tribunals after the pandemic, which includes priority being given to domestic abuse cases.

[Mark Pawsey]

I welcome the Secretary of State’s remarks about priorities. The fact that courts have not been able to sit because of the covid-19 emergency has led to some hearings relating to domestic abuse being delayed, which is particularly damaging where child custody is contested and access to children is involved. What steps is he taking to ensure that these cases are heard at the earliest opportunity?

[Robert Buckland]

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. He will be glad to know that we are promoting access to the family courts via video or telephone, as well as through the 157 priority courts that remained open throughout the pandemic for essential face-to-face hearings. Domestic violence protection orders and non-molestation orders continue to be listed for urgent hearings, despite the current restrictions.