Criminal Justice System: Progress of Cases

Mr Paul Kohler (Wimbledon) (LD) and Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con) asked the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, Heidi Alexander, about the progress of cases through the criminal justice system and the steps being taken to reduce the time taken for criminal cases to be heard in court. In her response, the Minister acknowledged the need for the swift delivery of justice for victims at all stages of the criminal justice system. She highlighted that the government plans to sit more than 105,000 working days in the Crown Court this financial year and continues to hear criminal cases at Nightingale courts. The Minister also stated that the government is considering other measures to speed up justice for victims and will make further announcements in due course. Mr Kohler followed up, expressing concern about the lengthy delays in the Grenfell inquiry, where the bereaved families and survivors have been told they must wait two or possibly three years for a decision on whether and whom to prosecute. He asked the Minister what is being done to address these delays and whether the use of artificial intelligence is being considered. The Minister assured Mr Kohler that the government fully supports the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service in their investigations and prosecutions, while respecting their operational independence. She stated that the use of all forms of technology, including artificial intelligence, will be considered in the process. Sir Desmond Swayne then asked the Minister how she plans to address the shortage of barristers at the criminal Bar. The Minister acknowledged the challenge and stated that she has discussed the adequacy of legal professionals in the Crown Court with the Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, and will work with the profession to ensure sufficient recruitment and retention of barristers. Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab) raised the issue of long delays in cases for her constituents, and urged the Minister to urge the Crown Prosecution Service to respond faster to basic queries about where the delays are in cases. The Minister agreed to look into this matter. Finally, Douglas McAllister (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab) asked the Minister if she agrees that a properly funded legal aid scheme is essential for access to justice, and that the decline in this vital public service under both the Conservatives and the SNP is "nothing short of disgraceful". The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by both the civil and criminal legal aid sectors due to the long-term impact of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, and recognized the importance of access to justice.