Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the oral evidence of the Lord Chief Justice to the Justice Select Committee on 14 May 2020, whether he plans to reopen all courts by the end of June 2020.

During oral evidence given to the Justice Select Committee on 14 May, the Lord Chief Justice advised the panel of an intention to reopen sites by the end of June, subject to a number of logistical issues.

We continue to work closely with the judiciary to reopen courts when it is safe to do so, and in line with public health guidance. Plans for the reopening of each court are subject to the necessary assessment of operational readiness, which is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-courts-and-tribunals-planning-and-preparation#assessing-and-managing-coronavirus-risk

Since the beginning of June 2020, HM Courts and Tribunals (HMCTS) has reopened over 20 sites and we will continue to work with the judiciary and public health bodies to reopen more in the coming weeks.