Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Meg Munn Excerpts
Tuesday 18th December 2012

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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Our consultation includes proposals to introduce a series of limitations in the judicial review process, particularly to stop people coming back again and again looking for new legal nuances to launch a new case. I believe, as does the judiciary—this has been highlighted in a number of recent cases—that judicial review is simply being used as a vehicle to delay being deported from the country, which is wrong.

Meg Munn Portrait Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op)
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The all-party parliamentary group on child protection is conducting an inquiry into the review of family justice and the Government’s proposed reforms. We have today heard that in most situations the judge did not meet children in the looked-after system before making decisions about their lives. Is it not time that judges who work on family justice cases are dedicated to family justice rather than dealing with other cases, so that we can ensure that they are properly trained and can communicate properly with children?

Chris Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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It is not for me specifically to instruct the judiciary on how they handle cases—the independence of the judiciary is a feature of our system. However, I am sure the hon. Lady’s comments will have been heard by those who lead the family division. It is very much a matter for judges to decide how best to ensure that they have the right mix of experience.