Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report conclusions that virtual video trials could disadvantage people with learning disabilities.

HMCTS are fully committed to our responsibilities to address the barriers disabled people and those with learning disabilities face when accessing and using the justice system. We are reviewing measures to ensure any potentially discriminatory impacts are identified, so help or alternative solutions can be provided where possible. The report’s recommendation is part of our considerations when exploring the use of video link in criminal cases. It will always be in the Courts’ discretion having regard to all the circumstances in deciding whether a hearing conducted by video link is in the interests of justice.