Speech in Lords Chamber - Tue 18 Oct 2022
Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2022
"Is it still open for any expert to give a recommendation if they so choose?..."Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - View Speech
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Speech in Lords Chamber - Mon 05 Sep 2022
European Court of Human Rights
"My Lords, on 14 July in response to the Human Rights Act debate tabled by my noble friend Lady Whitaker, the Minister said he had plans to visit each of the devolved legislatures shortly to narrow the differences between the UK Government and those legislatures. Has he had those meetings, …..."Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - View Speech
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Speech in Grand Committee - Tue 19 Jul 2022
Remote Observation and Recording (Courts and Tribunals) Regulations 2022
"My Lords, we support these provisions. They will replace and extend the temporary emergency provisions included in the Coronavirus Act 2020 which allow for certain proceedings to be observed remotely and recorded. We believe in the principle of open justice and think this goes a step towards that and should …..."Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - View Speech
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Speech in Lords Chamber - Mon 18 Jul 2022
European Convention on Human Rights
"My Lords, the noble and learned Lord has been asked this Question many times and has said that it is the Government’s policy to remain inside the ECHR. However, scepticism and questions persist because a senior government Minister, the Attorney-General, has a number of times over the last week said …..."Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - View Speech
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Speech in Lords Chamber - Thu 14 Jul 2022
Human Rights Act 1998
"My Lords, there have been so many moving and informative speeches today. I think I am right that the only noble Lord who has spoken in favour of the Government is the noble Lord, Lord Sandhurst. All other noble Lords have spoken extremely eloquently against the Government’s proposals. I thank …..."Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - View Speech
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Written Question
Thursday 14th July 2022
Asked by:
Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Labour - Life peer)
Question
to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Bellamy on 28 June (HL Deb, col 580) that Lord Stewart of Dirleton will lead on legal aid for the government in this House, due to Lord Bellamy’s previous independent review of criminal legal aid, whether this is a temporary arrangement during the period of industrial action by barristers; whether Lord Bellamy took this decision on the basis of advice; whether Lord Bellamy will be taking any ministerial decisions or authorising papers related to legal aid in his Ministerial role; and whether Lord Bellamy will be able to comment as a Minister on any aspects of the implementation of the review’s recommendations.
Answered by Lord Bellamy
On appointment as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice on 7 June 2022, Lord Bellamy followed the process on declaration of interests as set out in the Ministerial Code, which includes taking account of advice received from the Independent Adviser. In light of his previous role as Chair of the Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid and the advice received, he recused himself from any role in implementing the Review or deliberations regarding its consequences. Ministerial responsibility rests with Minister Dines. Provision will be made for other Ministers to answer for these matters in this House so that the recusal is properly observed.
Written Question
Thursday 7th July 2022
Asked by:
Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Labour - Life peer)
Question
to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the article in the Guardian ‘Court support service under threat as Ministry of Justice pulls funding’, published on 19 June, and the comments of a Ministry of Justice spokesperson that “charities will soon be able to bid for new grant funding”, whether there will be a gap in the provision for Litigants in Person between the ceasing of funding for Support Through Court and whatever new provision they intend to make.
Answered by Lord Bellamy
The Ministry of Justice recognises the pivotal role that organisations such as Support Through Court play in assisting litigants in person. The Ministry has agreed extensions to ensure continuity of funding, taking both the Litigants in Person Support Strategy and Legal Support for Litigants in Person grants to 30 September 2022. All organisations have been notified, including Support Through Court.
There will be new grant funding available soon for legal support for litigants in person throughout England and Wales. The details on the level of funding and how it will be administered are close to being finalised. There will be a competed process for determining which charities are awarded funding. I will write to the Noble Lord confirming the process shortly.
Speech in Lords Chamber - Wed 06 Apr 2022
Judicial Review and Courts Bill
"My Lords, I echo the thanks of the noble Lord, Lord Marks. I also thank the Minister and his team for their support and the numerous meetings we have had as the Bill has progressed. I would also like to thank the outside organisations that I have found particularly helpful; …..."Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - View Speech
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Speech in Lords Chamber - Tue 05 Apr 2022
Parole System: Public Protection
"My Lords, I am commenting on the Statement in the House of Commons on the parole system and public protection. The Government have said that they will legislate for a new precautionary approach to the release of a top tier of the most serious offenders. They have said that there …..."Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - View Speech
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Speech in Grand Committee - Mon 04 Apr 2022
Judicial Pensions Regulations 2022
"My Lords, I thank the Minister for introducing this statutory instrument. The parent Act to it, if I can call it that, is the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 and the Explanatory Memorandum states:
“These regulations establish the Judicial Pension Scheme 2022 … a scheme for the …..."Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede - View Speech
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