COURT CLOSURES ACROSS THE UK

Early day motion 839, tabled 22 January 2018 by Mary Glindon (Labour). Signed by 31 members.

That this House is deeply concerned by the Government's proposal to close nine further courts across the UK, displacing over 130 members of staff; notes that these proposals come at a time when staff morale has been damaged by previous closures, job cuts, pay restraint and privatisation threats; believes that these proposals would result in delays to cases being heard and members of the public having to travel further and for longer to access justice; further believes that the underuse of courts is primarily caused by legal aid cuts, increased court fees and a shortage of staff and judges; insists that unproven and unreliable digital processes such as virtual hearings should not be imposed on courts without a full evaluation of the impact on evidence quality and perception; and calls on the Government to halt these closures, consult relevant unions and review the entire courts closure programme.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent 2, Scottish National Party 2, DUP 1, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1.