Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a permanent exemption to Jury service for people suffering from lifelong or degenerative conditions.

The Government has not made a specific assessment of introducing a permanent exemption for people with lifelong or degenerative conditions. Jury service is an important civic duty, and the Government is committed to ensuring that disability is never a barrier to serving.

People with these conditions who feel unable to undertake jury service may apply to be excused, with each application considered carefully on a case-by-case basis.

Where a person wishes to serve, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate their needs whenever possible, so they can participate fully at no personal cost.