Downing Street Parties: Police Investigation

Debate between Simon Baynes and Michael Ellis

Tuesday 25th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Michael Ellis]

No one is proved to have done what the hon. Member alleges.

[Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con)]

It is absolutely right for there to be a full investigation into these matters, just as it was right for the police to investigate the cash for honours scandal under the Blair Government. Can my right hon. and learned Friend assure me that the police will, of course, be given full co-operation on these matters, just as the Cabinet Office investigation has been?

[Michael Ellis]

I can assure my hon. Friend that full co-operation will be accorded to the police as and if they ask for it.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Baynes and Michael Ellis

Thursday 1st July 2021 Commons Chamber

[The Attorney General]

I am grateful for that elucidation, Mr Speaker. The Royal Albert Hall and the Charity Commission have been working to try to resolve the matter that the hon. Lady refers to without recourse to litigation, and I am awaiting the outcome of that process. I have instructed my officials to continue to engage with the parties that the hon. Lady refers to, to assist them in working through the complex issues raised by this case. I will say, however, that no decision has been taken on whether to consent to the referral to the Charity Commission. I will approach the matter as a neutral umpire, commensurate with my role as Attorney General and as parens patriae.

[Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support the recovery of the criminal justice system as covid-19 restrictions are eased.

--- Later in debate ---

[Simon Baynes]

I thank the police, Wrexham and Denbighshire councils and other authorities in Clwyd South, who have done a great job during the difficult days of the pandemic. How can my right hon. and learned Friend reassure my constituents of efforts to continue to deliver justice in Clwyd South, despite the pandemic?

[The Attorney General]

I thank my hon. Friend for his generous question. I am proud that all criminal justice agencies have worked closely together since the covid-19 outbreak to ensure that essential justice services continue to be delivered. The CPS and the court service in north Wales have worked closely together throughout the pandemic to ensure that courts can be run safely and to maximise the flow of cases, while preserving public health. For example, domestic abuse cases in particular have been prioritised in the magistrates courts, so there are no delays or backlogs for those sensitive cases, where victims deserve our protection and support, but that goes in Clwyd South and it goes everywhere.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Baynes and Michael Ellis

Thursday 18th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con)]

What steps he is taking to increase public understanding of the law during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Attorney General (Michael Ellis)]

It is essential, particularly during this pandemic, to ensure that members of the public have a good understanding of the law. I am proud, therefore, that my Department supported Justice Week, which took place in the first week of March, and I am incredibly grateful to the many members of the legal sector who ran and contributed to online initiatives during that week. It makes me proud to be one of the Government’s pro bono champions.

[Simon Baynes [V]]

As coronavirus restrictions are relaxed, are there practical ways in which my right hon. and learned Friend can help reduce the confusion between Welsh and English covid laws for my constituents in Clwyd South, on the border with England?

[The Attorney General]

It is important, of course, that everyone around this United Kingdom, and especially my hon. Friend’s constituents in Clwyd South, understands and follows the law and guidance as regards the covid-19 regulations to keep the country safe. Through the information that is available on the gov.uk website, and the Government’s advertising and announcements, the law in England has been made clear to the public. It is really important that the devolved Administration in Wales make their laws and guidance clear to people in Wales. The Government continue to seek a co-ordinated approach across the UK where appropriate.