Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to paragraph 18 of the January 2019 HM Courts and Tribunals Service document entitled Putting people at the heart of reform: Response to PAC recommendation 2 which states that There will be clear proportionality – complex and serious cases will continue to be handled with the full majesty of the courtroom, what process he uses to make an assessment of proportionality when deciding which cases will take place in a courtroom.

The joint statement made by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Chief Justice, and Senior President of Tribunals in 2016 set out the three core principles for the transformation of the courts and tribunals: just, proportionate, accessible. The independent judiciary will continue to determine how hearings are conducted, in accordance with relevant procedural rules and practice directions where applicable.