Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to reduce the backlog and waiting times for sex offence cases going to trial in London.

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.