Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paula Barker and Mike Freer

Tuesday 27th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mike Freer)]

The magistrates have continued to make good progress in reducing the backlog, and that is a testament to the work they do on our behalf.

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

T4. According to probation unions, recent restructure and staff shortages are making it extremely difficult to keep tabs on some of the most dangerous individuals in our society. That is adding to the already endemic workforce retention issues. Probation workers are struggling under the pressure, as many leave the profession, leaving newly qualified and less experienced staff to take the reins. Why are calls for immediate Government intervention being ignored by the Department, and will the Minister sit down with probation unions this week as they launch their campaign, Operation Protect?