Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of deferring or postponing ongoing trials for non-violent offences for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic.

As of 23 March 2020, the Lord Chief Justice suspended all jury trials in the Crown Court. In the Magistrates’ Courts, trials are being selected for listing by the Judiciary where the Judge is satisfied that the case can be safely heard, having regard to all the particulars of the case management and the status and condition of the court in which it will be heard.

Our courts provide a vital public service and it is important that justice is delivered wherever possible. We are working closely with the judiciary and using the technology available to progress cases through the system as quickly as possible. Public safety is our priority and we are keeping the situation under constant review.