Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps is he taking to reduce the (a) backlog in cases and (b) waiting times for sexual offence cases in London to go to trial.

The Ministry of Justice is working to reduce outstanding caseloads and waiting times across London by increasing capacity in the Crown court and improving collaborative working with partners across the Criminal Justice System.

Safe distancing measures, including protective screens and face coverings, are applied in all courts, allowing the majority of courtrooms to continue operating. To increase capacity in London, 14 Nightingale courtrooms have been opened, additional staff and salaried Judiciary have been recruited and limits on fee-paid Judiciary have been increased.