Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to increase the diversity of magistrates.

The Government is committed to improving the diversity of the magistracy. Currently 54% of all magistrates are women; 11% declare themselves as being from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and 4% of the magistracy are under 40.

The Lord Chief Justice has responsibility for the recruitment of magistrates. The Judicial Office has worked with the National Bench Chairs’ Forum, the Magistrates Association and others to review the attraction, recruitment, selection and welfare of magistrates. Actions will be taken to raise awareness of vacancies and the skills required to succeed as a magistrate for potential candidates from all backgrounds.