Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Margaret Greenwood Excerpts
Tuesday 8th March 2016

(8 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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I certainly commend not only my hon. and learned Friend’s contributions, but the contribution of the Bar and the legal profession generally. Pro bono work benefits many people, and I am pleased to see that our engagement with the legal sector is fruitful, and that it is considering other ways of helping the community.

Margaret Greenwood Portrait Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) (Lab)
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17. Today is International Women’s Day, which gives us the opportunity to reflect on the fact that financial abuse is not just a crime in itself, but also a way for domestic abusers to control victims and to prevent them from leaving abusive relationships. Following the recent Appeal Court decision on legal aid in cases of domestic violence, how is the Ministry of Justice intending to make access to justice a reality for victims of financial abuse?

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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The hon. Lady refers to a recent case. She will be aware that the court did confirm that the Lord Chancellor has the power to set domestic violence evidence requirements. As for the other issues, we are considering the outcome of the case and will clarify our decision on the way forward in due course.