Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Department is taking to reduce delays for court cases involving child or vulnerable witnesses.

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising caseload. We know that some victims are waiting years for justice – justice delayed is justice denied. This is why the Government asked Sir Brian Leveson to make recommendations for how to restore stability and confidence in the criminal courts. Sir Brian’s report set out a blueprint for pragmatic structural reform in our criminal courts and made clear that it is only by pulling every lever we have – investment, efficiency and reform – that we can we turn the tide on the backlog and begin to swifter justice for all. The Courts and Tribunals Bill is the first step to putting the reform blueprint into law.

For vulnerable witnesses, through the Courts and Tribunals Bill, we are also strengthening access to special measures, including a measure to enable vulnerable witnesses to be accompanied by a supporter when giving evidence.

For children - the listing of cases is a judicial function, but all cases in the magistrates’ and Crown courts that involve child witnesses are prioritised and regularly reviewed to ensure they are being listed as expeditiously as possible. Special measures may also apply to allow the child to pre-record their evidence. Later this year, the Lady Chief Justice plans to issue a revised practice direction, which should, amongst other things, make the prioritisation of cases requiring hearing more effective, consistent and predictable.