To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Judges: Public Appointments
Tuesday 1st October 2019

Asked by: Stuart C McDonald (Scottish National Party - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East)

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the Government's policy is on politically appointed judges.

Answered by Chris Philp - Shadow Home Secretary

There are no plans to alter the process for making judicial appointments. Our judges are selected following a rigorous, independent, merit based process which is key to maintaining the quality, integrity and independence of our world class judiciary.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 16 Jul 2019
Courts and Tribunals (Online Procedure) Bill [Lords]

"It is a pleasure as always to follow the Chair of the Justice Committee, the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Robert Neill), whose contribution was as ever thought provoking and valuable.

I welcome the opportunity to take part in this debate. I thank the Minister for explaining the background …..."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Courts and Tribunals (Online Procedure) Bill [Lords]
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 16 Jul 2019
Courts and Tribunals (Online Procedure) Bill [Lords]

"The hon. Gentleman has made a good point, and a useful comparison.

I have mentioned people who may not want to or cannot go online. The other side of the coin is that people should not have to opt out of online procedures if appropriate support would enable them to …..."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Courts and Tribunals (Online Procedure) Bill [Lords]
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 09 Jul 2019
Oral Answers to Questions

"9. What steps his Department has taken to prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a deal; and if he will make a statement. ..."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 09 Jul 2019
Oral Answers to Questions

"I thank the Secretary of State for that answer and welcome the strong statements he has made recently on a possible no-deal Brexit. Does he agree that, regardless of how much preparation is done, the implications of no deal for our justice systems would be dire?..."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 09 Jul 2019
Oral Answers to Questions

"T4. Contrary to the Government’s fairly timid review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, Jo Wilding’s new report on legal aid for immigration cases warns that urgent policy action is required to avoid catastrophic market failure in England and Wales. Will Ministers read that report …..."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 04 Jul 2019
Serco Justice System

"I congratulate the shadow Minister on securing this urgent question. He is right that right across justice, home affairs and other Government Departments, ill-conceived and badly managed contracts —on tagging, prisons, secure units, probation, immigration removal centres and asylum accommodation—are leaving vital public services in disarray.

The Government finally saw …..."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Serco Justice System
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 14 May 2019
Automatism as a Legal Defence

"It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Owen. I congratulate the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) on bringing this interesting and important issue to the Chamber, and on the eloquent and passionate way that he explained the background. I also pay tribute to him for his …..."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Automatism as a Legal Defence
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 14 May 2019
Automatism as a Legal Defence

"I would like to think so, but I am not absolutely convinced...."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Automatism as a Legal Defence
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 14 May 2019
Automatism as a Legal Defence

"Certainly, on alcohol, we have taken the step to reduce the limit up to which people can drive to virtually nothing.

As I say, there has to be transparency. I am not aware that this has caused a problem for the prosecution services, but I am now alive to those …..."
Stuart C McDonald - View Speech

View all Stuart C McDonald (SNP - Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) contributions to the debate on: Automatism as a Legal Defence