Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the number of safe spaces at courts for victims of crime to be with their advisor, legal team and family.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) reviews its facilities to make sure if fulfils its commitment to provide victims attending court with a different entrance to the defendant and a separate waiting area before and after a case is heard where possible, in accordance with the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales and the Witness Charter. If a victim has any concerns about attending court, or about the facilities at the court, then they can discuss these with the witness care officer ahead of the trial. Advice, pre-trial support and information is also available for victims and witnesses from Victim Support and the Citizens Advice Witness Service.