Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of whether the present changes to the number and locations of magistrate courts meet the interests of witnesses, in particular regarding their privacy and protection.

No decisions have been taken relating to the number and locations of magistrates’ courts and all responses to the ongoing consultation on the court estate will be carefully considered before any decisions are made.

Our programme of courts reform will create a more modern and efficient service which works better for victims and witnesses. Witnesses could particularly benefit from such arrangements as we seek to expand existing provision such as video links meaning witnesses do not have to attend court in person increasing their privacy and reducing risk.