Asked by: Baroness Debbonaire (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the recommendations of the Family Mediation Council of 6 May 2020 on the diversion of potential litigants away from the Court system to Family Alternative Dispute Resolution options.
Answered by Alex Chalk
It can be a difficult time for families and parents, with Covid-19 placing relationships under additional pressures. Mediation can play an important role in helping families resolve conflict in the best interests of their children without the need to come to court. We are committed to championing mediation as an alternative to court for suitable families and are grateful for the FMC for their proposals. We welcome the chance to work closely with the sector, to improve outcomes for families, and manage demand in court through the promotion of alternative dispute resolution.
Asked by: Baroness Debbonaire (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that people facing possession proceedings for their home are able to access the advice of a duty solicitor if court proceedings take place online or by phone.
Answered by Alex Chalk
Access to justice is a fundamental right and the government is committed to ensuring that everyone can get the support they need to access the justice system.
Duty solicitors play a crucial role in upholding this right, through offering on the day emergency advice and advocacy to anyone facing possession proceedings in court. This means that anyone in danger of being evicted from their home or having their property repossessed can get free legal advice and representation on the day of their court hearing, regardless of their financial circumstances. That said, repossession cases are currently stayed in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Agency are working at pace to ensure that this support is available for those facing eviction when repossession hearings restart, which is currently scheduled to be after 24 June. This includes support for those attending hearings which are conducted remotely due to Covid-19 and those that include physical distancing measures.
Asked by: Baroness Debbonaire (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with HMP Bristol in Horfield on the potential implications for that prison of the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement.
Answered by Lucy Frazer
The department is working closely and meets regularly with HMPPS to consider any impact on prisons in the event of a No Deal Brexit.
Preparations include ensuring that our food and retail contracts have alternative arrangements in case of disruption through ports; working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to make sure that the supply of health products to prisoners is not disrupted; and co-operating with other government departments to prepare for other contingencies.
Asked by: Baroness Debbonaire (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
What steps he is taking to help ensure a safe regime for (a) staff and (b) prisoners in Horfield prison in Bristol.
Answered by Robert Buckland
An Urgent Notification was invoked at HMP Bristol on 13th June 2019. There has been some progress at HMP Bristol under Special Measures to bolster staff to a sufficient level, reduce illicit drug use and improve living conditions by refurbishing a wing and a number of the showers. However, we know more support is needed. The Secretary of State will publish his response and an initial action plan within 28 calendar days (on 11th July) in response to the most serious and urgent concerns raised. |
Immediate action has been taken to ensure prisoners can speak to Samaritans on their in-cell phones. In addition, action has been taken to address issues raised regarding the safer custody hotline and prevent issues from recurring, so prisoners’ family and friends can report any concerns about a prisoner’s welfare directly to the prison.