Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Olney Excerpts
Tuesday 5th November 2024

(2 weeks, 5 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Heidi Alexander Portrait Heidi Alexander
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As my hon. Friend will know, we are doing everything we can to bear down on the Crown court caseload, including extending magistrates’ sentencing powers. The Budget also confirmed 106,500 sitting days for this year.

Sarah Olney Portrait Sarah Olney (Richmond Park) (LD)
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Earlier this year, I spoke with the now Minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, the hon. Member for Birmingham Yardley (Jess Phillips), about my campaign to make court transcripts free. She was supportive, but was not sure that Labour could commit to spending the £2.2 million that it would cost. The Justice Committee has urged the courts to consider whether artificial intelligence-powered transcription could reduce the cost of producing court transcripts. Will the Minister commit to carrying out the Committee’s recommendations before the end of this parliamentary Session?

Heidi Alexander Portrait Heidi Alexander
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I understand why the hon. Lady raises that issue, but transcripts must be 100% accurate. They are legal documents, so “good enough” simply does not cut it. I will review what technology is available, and I am happy to keep her updated.