Courts and Tribunals Bill Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Courts and Tribunals Bill

Munira Wilson Excerpts
Tuesday 10th March 2026

(1 day, 7 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Munira Wilson Portrait Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD)
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I think that all of us across the House share the Justice Secretary’s passion for delivering justice more quickly for victims. I visited Isleworth Crown court at lunch time on Friday and spoke to barristers there. They impressed upon me that it is extremely rare that juries and jurors are the cause of delays to court cases. Recently, there have been delays because the cells have been too cold for defendants or Serco staff to use. Defendants are routinely delivered late by Serco, and there are no contractual penalties. That is pushing cases back repeatedly. Why will the Justice Secretary not take action on those things, rather than restricting trial by jury, which will make a limited difference?

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Order. Before the Lord Chancellor responds, let me say that many Back Benchers wish to contribute. No doubt he is coming close to a conclusion sometime soon-ish.