Judicial Review and Courts Bill (Fifth sitting)

Debate between Paula Barker and Anne McLaughlin

Committee stage
Tuesday 9th November 2021 Public Bill Committees

[Paula Barker (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab)]

rose—

[Anne McLaughlin]

There’s a competition. I will go to the left first.

[Anne McLaughlin]

I thank my hon. Friend for reminding me of that. I foolishly accepted the 97%, knowing it was not correct.

[Paula Barker]

The hon. Lady has been generous with her time. Does she agree that, as we heard in the evidence session, Cart reviews are not just about immigration? They are also about sexual justice cases. It is starting to feel as if the Government wish to have a further bite of the cherry in their hostile immigration policy.

[Anne McLaughlin]

That is an excellent intervention and I absolutely agree. Interestingly, my notes state that we are not just talking about immigration. I agree about the hostile environment; it is vile. If I am right in saying that most of them could not care less about migrants, let us talk about cases of access to vital benefits for people with disabilities and others facing destitution and homelessness, who will be affected. Those are people who have been left without a last line of defence. This legislation will affect all four chambers of the upper tribunal. Individuals will no longer be able to apply to the High Court.