0:00:03 > 0:00:07Order, order.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Questions to the Secretary of State for Justice.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Mr Dominic Raab.
0:00:11 > 0:00:18Number one.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22First of all, I would like to pay tribute to the work done
0:00:22 > 0:00:25by my honourable friend on human rights reform as a minister
0:00:25 > 0:00:26in this department.
0:00:26 > 0:00:35He is a great champion of liberty.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37This Government is committed to scrapping the Human Rights Act
0:00:37 > 0:00:39and introducing a British Bill of Rights.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Dominic Raab.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45At the outset, it is an honour to be the first honourable member
0:00:45 > 0:00:48to welcome the new Justice Secretary and the new front bench team
0:00:48 > 0:00:53to their posts.
0:00:53 > 0:00:54I wish them every success.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Can I, personally, from experience, assure her that being a lawyer
0:00:57 > 0:01:00is of very limited value in her departments, no offence
0:01:00 > 0:01:07to the Minister of State!
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Britain's decision to leave the EU will remove the jurisdiction
0:01:10 > 0:01:12of the Luxembourg court, probably the biggest obstacle
0:01:12 > 0:01:14to delivering a Bill of Rights.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Can I welcome her in continuing with this reform and ask
0:01:17 > 0:01:19the government to provide consultation as soon as possible?
0:01:19 > 0:01:21I thank my honourable friend for his question.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24This is an important reform, we need to get it right.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27We will be introducing proposals in due course,
0:01:27 > 0:01:35we will deliver on this manifesto commitment.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Which convention rights does the Justice Secretary propose
0:01:38 > 0:01:41to leave out of the Bill of Rights?
0:01:41 > 0:01:43I thank the honourable gentleman for his question.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46I remember with fondness our time together on the Justice select
0:01:46 > 0:01:48committee, where he had many good thoughts to put
0:01:48 > 0:01:54forward at that time.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57We will be putting out our proposals in due course that will discuss this
0:01:57 > 0:02:01issue in detail.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04One of the important points is that we want to see the ultimate
0:02:04 > 0:02:07arbiter of those rights be the Supreme Court of
0:02:07 > 0:02:11the United Kingdom.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Charlie Elphicke.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Does the Secretary of State agree with me that one of the problems
0:02:16 > 0:02:19with the current setup is the code includes many reservations
0:02:19 > 0:02:21and qualifications which the European Court does not embrace,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25and a British Bill of Rights could ensure that there is proper
0:02:25 > 0:02:33balance and the interest of justice can be served?
0:02:33 > 0:02:36My honourable friend makes a very good point, that is absolutely
0:02:36 > 0:02:39the reason that we want to pursue a British Bill of Rights
0:02:39 > 0:02:46that'll put that in place.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47Alistair Carmichael.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50If we are to have the Supreme Court as the ultimate arbiter, does this
0:02:50 > 0:02:53mean that if the Lord Chancellor wants to withdraw from
0:02:53 > 0:02:58the European Convention?
0:02:58 > 0:03:02The Prime Minister has been very clear that leaving the easy HR
0:03:02 > 0:03:03is not something that we will pursue.
0:03:03 > 0:03:10Julian Brazier.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Could I too welcome my right honourable friend to her post,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and her determination to proceed with a British Bill of Rights?
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Could I urge her to remember that the cornerstone of the rule
0:03:19 > 0:03:22of law in this country has always been the sovereignty of Parliament,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26could I urge her not to listen to those who argue that somehow
0:03:26 > 0:03:29or other getting rid of an act which came 40 years after we had
0:03:29 > 0:03:33signed up to the European Convention on human rights somehow or other
0:03:33 > 0:03:47undermines our position within the treaty?
0:03:47 > 0:03:49He is absolutely right, human rights were not invented
0:03:49 > 0:03:51in 1998 with the Human Rights Act.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54We have a strong record of the country of human rights
0:03:54 > 0:04:06dating back to Magna Carta.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09The British Bill of Rights is going to be the next step
0:04:09 > 0:04:11in enshrining those rights in our laws.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15May I welcome the Secretary of State to her new role and say that well,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19of course it is not a prerequisite for her role to be a lawyer,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22she will no doubt wish to listen carefully to any legal advice
0:04:22 > 0:04:23she receives in order...
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Relation to any proposals to reform the law.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27There was almost universal opposition to the repeal
0:04:27 > 0:04:31of the Human Rights Act in Scotland, reflected in the Scottish parliament
0:04:31 > 0:04:37and across Scottish Civic Society.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41On the 11th of August I wrote to the Government of Britain seeking
0:04:41 > 0:04:43clarification on the plans of the so-called reform
0:04:43 > 0:04:44to the Human Rights Act.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46I have yet to receive a substantive response.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50At what stage in her plans with the Secretary of State seek
0:04:50 > 0:04:52to consult with the Scottish Government, and can she confirmed
0:04:52 > 0:04:55that she will listen to and respect the answer?
0:04:55 > 0:04:56I thank her for her question.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01I have already had a number of legal meetings on this issue and I am sure
0:05:01 > 0:05:04I will enjoy working with the legal profession in this role.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06The Prime Minister has already had a very good meeting
0:05:06 > 0:05:10with the First Minister of Scotland, I will be meeting the Scottish
0:05:10 > 0:05:18justice minister shortly to discuss a number of issues.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Order, I apologise, I had not realised that the honourable
0:05:20 > 0:05:24and Leonard lady wanted a second bite of herself.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27LAUGHTER I was rather hoping to have the second bite
0:05:27 > 0:05:30of Her Majesty's Government.
0:05:30 > 0:05:38I thank the Secretary of State for her early response.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42If she has been having legal meetings about the Human Rights Act
0:05:42 > 0:05:45she would have been advised that human rights are not a reserved
0:05:45 > 0:05:47matter, therefore the Scottish Parliament must be consulted
0:05:47 > 0:05:50regarding any legislation with regard to human rights.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53During the independence rep around, Scotland was told it was an equal
0:05:53 > 0:05:54partner in this union.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Did she appreciate that to repeal the Human Rights Act across the UK
0:05:58 > 0:06:00would fly in the face of that promise and exacerbate
0:06:00 > 0:06:03the democratic deficit that already exists in Scotland,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07where a Tory Government we did not vote for is planning to take us out
0:06:07 > 0:06:20of the European Union against our will?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22I thank her for her question.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25I would point out that this was in the Conservative Party
0:06:25 > 0:06:27manifesto, we secured a majority at the general election.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31As I said, I will be in touch with the Scottish justice minister
0:06:31 > 0:06:33and look forward to talking to him on the subject.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34Richard Bergen.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Thank you again, Mr Speaker.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38I would like to welcome the Secretary of State
0:06:38 > 0:06:54to her new role.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57It is good to see a Leeds person at both dispatch boxes.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Like me, I understand that she comes from good left-wing Leeds stock,
0:07:00 > 0:07:02I look forward to our exchanges.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04In her swearing-in ceremony, the Justice Secretary quoted
0:07:04 > 0:07:06with approval the late Lord Bingham.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08On the Human Rights Act, Lord Bingham asked in 2009,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11which of these rights, I asked, would you wish to discard?
0:07:11 > 0:07:15And went on to say there may be those who would like to live
0:07:15 > 0:07:18in a country where these rights are not protected,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21but I am not of their number.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24To get the Secretary of State another chance, because she failed
0:07:24 > 0:07:27to answer the question from my honourable friend the member
0:07:27 > 0:07:29for Kingston-upon-Hull earlier, which of these rights did
0:07:29 > 0:07:30she wish to discard?
0:07:30 > 0:07:33I also welcome the honourable gentleman to the dispatch box,
0:07:33 > 0:07:37it is great to have somebody who is also from Leeds facing me.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40And to highlight the error of my ways after growing up
0:07:40 > 0:07:47in a left-wing household in that great city.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51LAUGHTER All I can say is I believe that everyone is capable of reform,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53even those, Mr Speaker, on the benches opposite.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57I have not given up hope yet on the Shadow Secretary of State
0:07:57 > 0:08:09for Health adjusters.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13The whole purpose of the Bill of Rights is to enhance human
0:08:13 > 0:08:14rights in this country.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16We have leading human rights since Magna Carta,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19the Bill of Rights published in Wales in 1689, and we will
0:08:19 > 0:08:23continue to lead the world in human rights.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Thank you very much to the Secretary of State for that response.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28But we were very clear that we will replace
0:08:28 > 0:08:31the Human Rights Act, which is not working for British
0:08:31 > 0:08:41people, with a British Bill of Rights.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43It gives the ultimate power to citizens in this country.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46These were the words of the Secretary of State
0:08:46 > 0:08:48on the today programme in May 20 15.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Given that and the answer she has just given, can she explain
0:08:51 > 0:08:54to the house why she wants to rob the people of Britain
0:08:54 > 0:08:58of their rights, and will she admits that talk of a so-called bill
0:08:58 > 0:09:01of rights is simply posturing and making concessions to the hard
0:09:01 > 0:09:09right of the Conservative Party?
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Human rights were not invented in 1998 with the Human Rights Act.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16There are major issues with the Human Rights Act.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19We need to move forward, had a British Bill of Rights that
0:09:19 > 0:09:26enshrines our ancient liberties.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29We do now need to make progress, as there are lots of questions,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31and progress has been slow so far.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Can we be speeded up by Mr John Mann?
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Hate crime is abhorrent and has no place in society,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41the Government published its plan to tackle hate crime,
0:09:41 > 0:09:54Action Against Hate, in July 20 16.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56The Government believes that the enforcement of criminal
0:09:56 > 0:09:58legislation has an important role in tackling online hate,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Willie deterrence and prevention which needs a broader response
0:10:01 > 0:10:03and effective management from the Internet industry.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Last time I asked the Secretary of State question she invited me to
0:10:06 > 0:10:14join her on a delegation to China.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16May I reciprocate and invite the front bench to come to Bassetlaw
0:10:16 > 0:10:20May I reciprocate and invite the front bench to come to Bassetlaw
0:10:20 > 0:10:24today in the Jubilee room, hosted by myself and the member for Newark?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27True Vision, the Internet reporting organisation based in her officers,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30is the pride and joy of her department and the envy
0:10:30 > 0:10:32of every other Government in the world.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Is she going to allow it to disappear into some other
0:10:34 > 0:10:37government departments, or will she keep it
0:10:37 > 0:10:51in her department?
0:10:51 > 0:10:53I thank him for his characteristically delivered
0:10:53 > 0:10:53question.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56The Secretary of State, I gather, recently wrote to him
0:10:56 > 0:10:57on this matter.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00The cross government hate crime programme is highly regarded by this
0:11:00 > 0:11:01government, and internationally.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04I am committed to ensuring that this important work continues.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06I would like to welcome my honourable friend.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09The government was right to make posting revenge porn online crime.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Figures released today show that have been 200 prosecutions,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13yet more than 1000 reported cases of revenge pornography
0:11:13 > 0:11:22reported to the police.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Does the Minister agree with me that as with other sex-related crimes,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28perhaps anonymity for victims needs to be carefully considered
0:11:28 > 0:11:28in these cases?
0:11:28 > 0:11:32I thank my honourable friend for this question and the work
0:11:32 > 0:11:35she and the select committee do in this area, it is a terrible abuse
0:11:35 > 0:11:40of trust which can leave victims feeling the bated and degraded.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43By making it a specific offence can offence we've sent clear message
0:11:43 > 0:11:46this will not be tolerated, with regard to anonymity I'm
0:11:46 > 0:11:49interested in what she's saying she would write me on that issue
0:11:49 > 0:11:53I will consider it.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Can I welcome the Minister to his post and ask if he has seen
0:11:57 > 0:11:59the comments the Director of Public Prosecutions
0:11:59 > 0:12:02this morning that social media is one of the driving forces behind
0:12:02 > 0:12:05the record high in recorded crimes, violent crimes against women
0:12:05 > 0:12:08and girls, and welcomed what he said about needing a broader response
0:12:08 > 0:12:14to these issues.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Can he tell me what he plans to do to safeguard the many specialist
0:12:18 > 0:12:21services that exist to support women who are suffering online
0:12:21 > 0:12:23harassment and abuse, many of which are suffering
0:12:23 > 0:12:32from funding cuts?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34As I already stated, this crime is deplorable.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37I suspect it has always happened and social media has facilitated it
0:12:37 > 0:12:41and we are now detecting a greater level of crime of this kind.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44I am determined to maintain services that support women and men
0:12:44 > 0:12:47who are subjected to this crime and will continue to keep a close
0:12:47 > 0:12:49eye on that.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52What action is the Government taking to combat online anti-Semitic hate
0:12:52 > 0:13:00crime emanating from extremist groups on campus?
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Like revenge porn, these are all pulling crimes,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05more easily committed by the internet and use of anonymity
0:13:05 > 0:13:06with specifically regards to anti-Semitism, thanks
0:13:06 > 0:13:09to the fantastic work for the member for Bassetlaw and his all-party
0:13:09 > 0:13:11group, the Government has made significant advances
0:13:11 > 0:13:23and I will consider her comments, particularly on campus.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26In the last year, assaults have risen by 31% and those on staff
0:13:26 > 0:13:28in our prisons have risen by 40%.
0:13:28 > 0:13:39This is totally an acceptable and I'm determined to tackle it.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Reforming prisons will only be possible if they are made safer
0:13:42 > 0:13:55places for staff and offenders alike.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58The section of state makes clear prisons safety continues
0:13:58 > 0:14:03to deteriorate and is a major problem putting prisoners
0:14:03 > 0:14:07and staff at risk, but the major issue that must be tackled
0:14:07 > 0:14:08is the retention of staff.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Can she set out what she will do to make this a priority and how
0:14:12 > 0:14:14she will succeed her predecessors have failed?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17I agree with the honourable lady that retention of staff
0:14:17 > 0:14:18is a very important issue.
0:14:18 > 0:14:24I've been to a number of prisons and seen how brave, fearless
0:14:24 > 0:14:29and hardworking our prison officers are, they are a vital in turning
0:14:29 > 0:14:32around offenders and getting them the education and skills they need
0:14:32 > 0:14:34to succeed outside and I'm determined to support
0:14:34 > 0:14:37them and work with them.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42Over the coming months, I will lay out more detailed plans.
0:14:42 > 0:14:50May I warmly welcome the secretary of state and her team
0:14:50 > 0:14:55to their posts, lawyers do sometimes have their uses.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Her predecessor made prison reform a centrepiece of the agenda,
0:14:58 > 0:14:59he rightly described the deterioration in safety
0:14:59 > 0:15:02and prisons as terrible.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05The figures have now got worse, he committed to an action plan
0:15:05 > 0:15:07to tackle violence in our prisons.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12Will she reaffirm that?
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Can she tell us what specific steps will be taken to deal
0:15:15 > 0:15:18with what is a ticking time bomb that we have
0:15:18 > 0:15:25in our criminal justice system?
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Because nothing else works if that isn't right.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Can I first say how pleased I've been to be able to meet the chairman
0:15:35 > 0:15:42of the select committee, I take the advice of all my lawyers,
0:15:42 > 0:15:48but particularly the chairman of the select committee,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50extremely seriously.
0:15:50 > 0:15:56This is a critical issue that faces our prisons.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59We cannot have reform in our prisons if we don't have safe prisons
0:15:59 > 0:16:01for people to work in.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03These things go hand-in-hand and I'm committed to an agenda
0:16:03 > 0:16:06of making our prisons safe and places of reform,
0:16:06 > 0:16:10I will lay out my plan is very shortly on this issue and I look
0:16:10 > 0:16:12forward to discussing it more with the select committee tomorrow.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Will the Secretary of State look again at statements that were made
0:16:16 > 0:16:18by her department recently around numbers of prison officers,
0:16:18 > 0:16:24her department claims the number has increased, it hasn't
0:16:24 > 0:16:34and when will she look again because I believe they have not
0:16:34 > 0:16:35taken into account staff being regretted
0:16:35 > 0:16:38or the number of hours actually work when she examines the number
0:16:38 > 0:16:40of officers in the system.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43I thank the honourable lady for her question, I will of course
0:16:43 > 0:16:47look at those numbers in detail and I'm looking at them just now.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49What I would say as well as the number of staff,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52it is important how staff are deployed and how staff
0:16:52 > 0:16:56are trained and the Paras the governors have to be able to get
0:16:56 > 0:16:58the best out of the staff working in the prisons.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I agree, staff are crucial to make our prisons work well.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05One of the causes of lack of safety and prisons has been
0:17:05 > 0:17:07psychoactive substances, with the secretary agree with me
0:17:07 > 0:17:10that the ban on possession of the substances in prison should
0:17:10 > 0:17:12improve the safety of other prisoners and prison officers
0:17:12 > 0:17:15if that ban is properly enforced?
0:17:15 > 0:17:19My honourable friend is right, they have, MPS have been a major
0:17:19 > 0:17:23issue in our prisons.
0:17:23 > 0:17:39I was pleased when I visited HMP Norwich last week to see
0:17:39 > 0:17:54they are using the new legislation to tackle that issue.
0:17:54 > 0:18:00They search and catch people out and they are succeeding in reducing
0:18:00 > 0:18:11the amount of usage of that drug already.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I would like more of this type of programme happening more
0:18:14 > 0:18:15across our prison estate.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Forgive me, I think the summer recess has taken its toll, I am
0:18:19 > 0:18:21determined to ensure our prisons are places of safety and reform,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24we need to help get offenders of drugs, improve their education
0:18:24 > 0:18:28and get the work skills they need so they are less likely
0:18:28 > 0:18:29to reoffend when they come out.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Could she answer this question, does she see a connection
0:18:32 > 0:18:35between the long-term decline in prison officer numbers down 30%
0:18:35 > 0:18:37between 2010 and 2013 and they are going down again
0:18:37 > 0:18:40and this massive increase on assaults on staff,
0:18:40 > 0:18:4190% up on the last month?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44I thank the honourable gentleman for his question, there are many
0:18:44 > 0:18:55factors driving prison violence and self harm, I am looking
0:18:55 > 0:18:57I am looking at the evidence about what will work
0:18:57 > 0:18:59and what steps we can take, but I'm
0:18:59 > 0:19:03determined to tackle this and I'm very clear the current levels of
0:19:03 > 0:19:04violence we have are unacceptable.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Can I warmly congratulate the secretary of state
0:19:06 > 0:19:08and the new ministerial team on their appointment,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11of course we need more prison officers but can of these extra
0:19:13 > 0:19:16of state and their ministers to look at greater use
0:19:16 > 0:19:19of prisoners as mentors.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Wandsworth is leading the way with 50 mentors teaching
0:19:21 > 0:19:24education, but we can also do this in terms of both employment
0:19:24 > 0:19:33for therapeutic use and to cut down the use of drugs.
0:19:33 > 0:19:43I referred to that my honourable friend and as group to prison
0:19:43 > 0:19:46minister who's done tremendous work and we're learning from the work
0:19:46 > 0:19:47he carried out in the Department.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51He makes an important point and I think we need to look
0:19:51 > 0:19:53at overall prison culture in some of our best prisons,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56we do have exemplary work going on such as mentoring
0:19:56 > 0:19:59and we have to make sure that is happening
0:19:59 > 0:20:00across our prison estate.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03The Secretary of State might be aware the head of the prison service
0:20:03 > 0:20:06in Northern Ireland recently stepped down, attacks on prison staff
0:20:06 > 0:20:08are on the rise, can she ensure her department
0:20:08 > 0:20:11is engaging actively with the Department of Justice
0:20:11 > 0:20:13in Northern Ireland to see what lessons can be learned
0:20:13 > 0:20:16and to try and improve safety and prisons in Northern Ireland?
0:20:16 > 0:20:18I thank the honourable gentleman for his question,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21I have been in touch with the Justice minister
0:20:21 > 0:20:23in Northern Ireland and I look forward to speaking
0:20:23 > 0:20:28to her in due course.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31May I congratulate the secretary of state on her appointment,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34is part of the problem that we have so many Victorian prisons?
0:20:34 > 0:20:36The honourable gentleman is right.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39We have a big issue with prisons that are out of date and not
0:20:39 > 0:20:52fit for purpose.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54It makes it more difficult for our excellent governors
0:20:54 > 0:20:55and officers to manage well.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58I'm pleased to say this summer we were able to close
0:20:58 > 0:20:59Holloway prison.
0:20:59 > 0:21:20We have our ?1.3 billion building programme and what I want to see his
0:21:20 > 0:21:29new modern prison built, so that we can see prisoners get
0:21:29 > 0:21:31the education and work then as required
0:21:31 > 0:21:32in outside life.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33As McGeeney to succeed.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36And close down some of our most dilapidated and outdated prisons.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It is crucial that victims of crime are supported as effectively
0:21:39 > 0:21:42as possible, the victims called was revised in 2015, victims of all,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45no fences after entitled to support from a wide range of organisation
0:21:45 > 0:21:48as well as criminal justice agencies.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50The reforms the court will improve services for victims
0:21:50 > 0:21:53and their families got ensemble to give evidence
0:21:53 > 0:21:53remotely and digitally.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Over 23,000 individual crimes reported in Enfield over the past 12
0:21:56 > 0:22:00months, for far too long the victims of these crimes have been forgotten
0:22:00 > 0:22:02and ignored by the criminal justice system.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Given that the victims commissioner support the introduction of a long
0:22:05 > 0:22:07for victims of crime, when will the Government
0:22:07 > 0:22:09fulfil its election manifesto commitment to bring forward
0:22:09 > 0:22:10legislation on the issue?
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I thank the honourable lady for her question.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16We want to make sure all vulnerable and intimidated witnesses can give
0:22:16 > 0:22:18the best evidence in court and feel less anxious,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21we are committed to making sure victims of crime get the support
0:22:21 > 0:22:22they need.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24We have protected the overall level of funding
0:22:24 > 0:22:30for victims across the spending review period and have announced
0:22:30 > 0:22:33funding of over 95 million pounds in 2016 to find
0:22:33 > 0:22:39critical support services.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Victims of crime want to see the perpetrators of that
0:22:41 > 0:22:42crime properly punished.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Is the minister happy that prisoners are automatically released halfway
0:22:46 > 0:22:53through their prison sentence, no matter how disruptive
0:22:53 > 0:23:01they are or much how much of a threat they still pose,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04or does he agree that prisoners should serve the sentence
0:23:04 > 0:23:09as was handed down by the courts in full?
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I thank my honourable friend for his question.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13The purpose of justice and the justice system must be
0:23:13 > 0:23:15the primary goal to reduce reoffending.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19If somebody in prison has been assessed and is deemed not a risk
0:23:19 > 0:23:22to society and is being properly rehabilitated, it is in the best
0:23:22 > 0:23:25interests of that individual and for that person to be released.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Too often the victims of criminal driving,
0:23:27 > 0:23:37they are and their families are not treated as victims of crime,
0:23:37 > 0:23:47told they were involved in an accident.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51When will that be changed and can the Minister tell us
0:23:51 > 0:23:55when we will finally get the review into the sentencing of these
0:23:55 > 0:23:59types of offences?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Thank you for the question.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06I don't see that as part of my purview but if he would write
0:24:06 > 0:24:09to me I will reply to him on this issue.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11I would agree victims in these situations need more protection
0:24:11 > 0:24:13and the culture needs to change.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16The best ways to ensure justice is served is to ensure victims
0:24:16 > 0:24:20have the chance to make a victim impact statement to the court
0:24:20 > 0:24:21but this does not always happen.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24What can the Minister do to ensure this happens in every case?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27I thank the honourable gentleman for his question.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30As I understand it, they are getting more opportunity to do this now
0:24:30 > 0:24:32because of the opportunity to do this online.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35I would agree that this is something that
0:24:35 > 0:24:36should be put in place.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38As has been mentioned earlier, today's report on violence
0:24:38 > 0:24:41against women and girls shows an increase in prosecutions,
0:24:41 > 0:24:46however victims charities remain concerned about their futures
0:24:46 > 0:24:49as was stated by the chair of the police and crime commissioners
0:24:49 > 0:24:51supporting the group when asking the ministry to clarify
0:24:51 > 0:24:54funding available to be cc earlier this year.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58The minister told my honourable friend for Wigan that he would be
0:24:58 > 0:25:01keeping an eye on this matter, which is not good enough
0:25:01 > 0:25:08with respect.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Will the secretary of state confirm victim services will receive
0:25:12 > 0:25:15the full funding required?
0:25:15 > 0:25:25The victim services budget has increased significantly from ?48
0:25:25 > 0:25:37million to around ?95 pounds in the current financial year.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41In 2016 and 17 we have allocated about ?7 billion to 99 rape support
0:25:41 > 0:25:43centres providing up to male and female victims of rape
0:25:43 > 0:25:44and child sexual abuse.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47I do not recognise the description the shadow minister has given,
0:25:47 > 0:25:49this Government is committed to protecting victims,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52particularly women who have been victims of crime.
0:25:52 > 0:25:52Question number six.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55The illicit use of mobile phones in prison undermines security,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58order and control and has been linked to many forms of criminality.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01This Government is determined to take action to stop it?
0:26:01 > 0:26:03The connection between technology and radicalisation by
0:26:03 > 0:26:06the dissemination of extremism in prisons is one of the most
0:26:06 > 0:26:08critical challenges we face.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Will my honourable friend continue to do all that is possible
0:26:10 > 0:26:15to ensure that prisoners, who already face difficulties
0:26:15 > 0:26:18re-engaging in with society, do not have a difficult task made
0:26:18 > 0:26:21impossible by those who would use mobile phones and technology
0:26:21 > 0:26:25to spread extremist poisoning?
0:26:25 > 0:26:28My honourable friend will have no doubt seen the Government response
0:26:28 > 0:26:31to the review on extremism.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure extremist ideologies
0:26:33 > 0:26:45are not spread by any means, including mobile phones.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48There have been reports in Swansea prison of people simply throwing
0:26:48 > 0:26:51mobile phones over the wall, which provides anonymity
0:26:51 > 0:26:53for prisoners to indulge in all sorts of criminal activity.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56What is he doing about this sort of thing?
0:26:56 > 0:26:59He makes a very important point, every governor I have spoken
0:26:59 > 0:27:02to in the last six weeks has mentioned the growing problem
0:27:02 > 0:27:04of illegal mobile phones in prison.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I believe technology is vital to detect and block these
0:27:07 > 0:27:13phones, so in addition to the range of technologies already deployed
0:27:13 > 0:27:16across the prison estate, we have held a high-level meeting
0:27:16 > 0:27:19with mobile network operators asking them to use their expertise
0:27:19 > 0:27:21to develop new technological solutions to deny mobile
0:27:21 > 0:27:36phone signals in prisons.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38As responsible businesses, I expect these operators
0:27:38 > 0:27:39to fully cooperate.
0:27:39 > 0:27:45Question seven.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49There is and there will be an appropriate level of corporate
0:27:49 > 0:27:54vision for the people of Bury.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Thank you, and I warmly welcome my honourable and learned
0:27:56 > 0:27:59friend to his new role, and thank you for that brief reply.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02While school provision might be regarded as adequate now,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04what is important is that it continues to be
0:28:04 > 0:28:14adequate in the future.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17And with the new Lord Chancellor and a new ministerial team,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19could I ask that they look again at the proposals
0:28:19 > 0:28:21for North Manchester, particularly the consequential
0:28:21 > 0:28:24effects on, for example, the police budget as the police
0:28:24 > 0:28:26are faced with longer journey times when they attend court?
0:28:26 > 0:28:29I am immensely indebted to the honourable gentleman.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Can I start by paying tribute to the work that my honourable
0:28:32 > 0:28:35friend has done, and for the proposals that he has put
0:28:35 > 0:28:46forward about his local court situation.
0:28:46 > 0:28:53He will know, as a lawyer as well, that we are investing huge amounts
0:28:53 > 0:28:55of money, ?1 billion, to transform Court Tribunerals.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58This modern technology improves efficiency and means fewer people
0:28:58 > 0:28:59need to attend court in person.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02There are excellent facilities are available to the people
0:29:02 > 0:29:05of Bury and Manchester, which has some of the best
0:29:05 > 0:29:06courts in the country.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09The Minister will know that the proposals across the whole
0:29:09 > 0:29:12of Greater Manchester are quite far reaching and controversial in parts
0:29:12 > 0:29:18of that city region.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Can he explain to the house is precisely what has been agreed
0:29:21 > 0:29:24with the Greater Manchester combined authority in the memorandum
0:29:24 > 0:29:28of understanding that his department has signed with them,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31and whether or not it means the combined authority can look
0:29:31 > 0:29:37again at some of those procedures?
0:29:37 > 0:29:40Of course, he will realise that none of these decisions is taken lightly
0:29:40 > 0:29:46and it is important to work closely with local government.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48That is exactly what has been happening.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53Just to give him an impression of the tremendous improvement
0:29:53 > 0:29:55that this court modernisation programme is making,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58it has been going for four months and 6 million pieces of paper have
0:29:58 > 0:30:01been avoided as a result, that is a pile of paper,
0:30:01 > 0:30:03using digital case files.
0:30:03 > 0:30:056 million pieces of paper avoided, meaning a pile as high
0:30:07 > 0:30:12as the largest building in London, the Shard.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Huntington is a splendid part of the world which deserves to be
0:30:15 > 0:30:17very well represented by the honourable gentleman,
0:30:17 > 0:30:20but it is a long way from Bury, to which this
0:30:20 > 0:30:28question exclusively relates.
0:30:28 > 0:30:29The question is about Bury.
0:30:29 > 0:30:35He can come in later and I look forward to hearing from him.
0:30:35 > 0:30:42This information is published by the legal professions.
0:30:42 > 0:30:49For example, 13% of QCs are women and 6% of QCs declare themselves
0:30:49 > 0:30:54as coming from a BAME background.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56That shows a very limited progress.
0:30:56 > 0:31:06What can the Government do to improve this?
0:31:06 > 0:31:08I thank him for his question. do to improve this?
0:31:08 > 0:31:12We want a justice system that works for everyone, a legal services
0:31:12 > 0:31:14industry using all the talent in our country.
0:31:14 > 0:31:20I have already had very positive conversations with the Lord Chief
0:31:20 > 0:31:26Justice, who is keen to improve diversity figures in the judiciary,
0:31:26 > 0:31:30and I am due to meet the bar Council shortly to talk
0:31:30 > 0:31:31specifically about the bar.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34What assessment has my right honourable friend made
0:31:34 > 0:31:37of opportunities to increase apprenticeship-based routes
0:31:37 > 0:31:39into the legal professions and the prison services,
0:31:39 > 0:31:40to increase social mobility?
0:31:40 > 0:31:44I thank him for his question, I am a huge fan of apprenticeships.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47With the new apprenticeship levy, that brings a big opportunity
0:31:47 > 0:31:49for some of our large legal services firms,
0:31:49 > 0:31:51but right across the board to increase the number
0:31:51 > 0:32:02of apprenticeships.
0:32:02 > 0:32:08It is something I will talk to them about over the coming months.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11As one London provider of legal education, fees for the academic
0:32:11 > 0:32:15year ahead are as follows, nearly ?11,000 for the graduate
0:32:15 > 0:32:18diploma in law, over ?15,000 for the legal practice course
0:32:18 > 0:32:20and almost ?19,000 for the bar professional training course.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23On top of the cost of university education, these fees
0:32:23 > 0:32:25are beyond the reach of many from ordinary backgrounds.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Given this reality, how will the Minister ensure
0:32:28 > 0:32:35a diverse legal profession?
0:32:35 > 0:32:38I thank him for his question.
0:32:38 > 0:32:49I have been discussing this right across the legal profession.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53One of the issues that we have is that the younger end,
0:32:53 > 0:32:56we are seeing a lot more diversity, the question is how people progress
0:32:56 > 0:32:57through the pipeline.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00I would like to see more transparency so we can look
0:33:00 > 0:33:02at people moving through the system.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04I have no doubt that with the Lord Chief Justice
0:33:04 > 0:33:08and leading judges, they want to see more diversity and they are
0:33:08 > 0:33:09keen to work with me.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10Number nine.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14With your permission, I will group this with question 15.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Prisons must become places of rehabilitation where offenders
0:33:17 > 0:33:20can change their lives and turn away from crime, addressing health needs
0:33:20 > 0:33:22including mental health is key in this.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25We are committed to meeting the mental health needs
0:33:25 > 0:33:26of prisoners.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28All prisons must have procedures in place to identify,
0:33:28 > 0:33:32manage and support those with mental illnesses.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35Can the Minister confirm that governors will have new powers
0:33:35 > 0:33:43and abilities to run their own mental health and health budgets,
0:33:43 > 0:33:49and will that also include co-commissioning of mental health
0:33:49 > 0:33:54services with local CCGs?
0:33:54 > 0:33:56It is under consideration at present, I think commissioners
0:33:56 > 0:33:59have an important part to play in helping to structure health care
0:33:59 > 0:34:16services within prison.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Does the Department have a figure for the numbers in prison
0:34:18 > 0:34:21at the moment who have mental health issues, would my honourable friend
0:34:21 > 0:34:24reassure me that prison staff are adequately trained to deal
0:34:24 > 0:34:26with those people exhibiting mental health issues?
0:34:26 > 0:34:28I thank him for his question.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Based on a Ministry of Justice survey, 49% of prisoners
0:34:31 > 0:34:33were assessed as being at risk from anxiety and/ or depression,
0:34:33 > 0:34:3516% reported symptoms indicative of psychosis.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Department of Health figures are somewhat different,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40north of 90% of prisoners have a mental health problem
0:34:40 > 0:34:41if you include substance misuse.
0:34:41 > 0:34:58This is an area where I am seeking more data.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00We are committed to meeting the mental health needs
0:35:00 > 0:35:02of prisoners, which is why all new intake prison officers
0:35:02 > 0:35:05receive mental health awareness training as part of
0:35:05 > 0:35:05entry-level training.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08100 people have taken their lives in prison in the past year,
0:35:08 > 0:35:10the highest level for over 25 years.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14Over 9000 people have self harmed in prisons, an increase of over 25%
0:35:14 > 0:35:19in the last year alone.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23I think the Government should be ashamed, I think it is a dereliction
0:35:23 > 0:35:24of their duty of care.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28I want to know what they will actually do to look at the thousands
0:35:28 > 0:35:31of prisoners who had serious mental health conditions and are not
0:35:31 > 0:35:32being looked after.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34I thank the honourable lady for her question.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Mental health is pretty complex, the genesis of problems do not just
0:35:37 > 0:35:50occur in the terms of the parliament.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53The system in place in terms of mental health care
0:35:53 > 0:35:56and the continuity of care for people before,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58during and after their stay in prison is clearly not
0:35:58 > 0:35:59worried should be.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02I would argue that has been the case for many decades.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06I have been asked to look at this and will be doing so,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10but this is a huge and very complex area and I am not about to make
0:36:10 > 0:36:12dispatch box commitments on it as a consequence.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15But there is a particular risk for women in prison,
0:36:15 > 0:36:1730% of women prisoners have had a previous admission
0:36:17 > 0:36:20for a psychiatric problems before they went into prison.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22In the last year, 11 women have killed themselves.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25My impression is that this is because the last Secretary
0:36:25 > 0:36:28of State did not focus on the recommendations of a report
0:36:28 > 0:36:31which would have ensured a better level of mental health
0:36:31 > 0:36:32for women in prison.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34What is this minister going to do on this report,
0:36:34 > 0:36:45and on women in prison?
0:36:45 > 0:36:47I thank her for her question.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49I have read that report, it is good.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51It was published in 2007 and is still relevant today,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53with some international coherence within another report
0:36:53 > 0:37:10about youth offenders.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13I will be looking at it and I am personally persuaded of some
0:37:13 > 0:37:14of the arguments within.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18But the idea that the former Secretary of State was in anyway not
0:37:18 > 0:37:21keeping a close eye on this, I have seen no about.
0:37:21 > 0:37:21Mr Speaker, Speaker...
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Those convicted of sexual offences are just one cohort of the range
0:37:25 > 0:37:31we manage daily.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34In doing so, we shall make sure estate capacity is realigned
0:37:34 > 0:37:37to meet the demand for places, including those convicted
0:37:37 > 0:37:37of sexual offences.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40I thank him for his reply.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43HMP in my constituency has seen a huge surge in prisoners
0:37:43 > 0:37:44for sexual offences, either on remand or
0:37:44 > 0:37:55serving a sentence.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57This puts massive pressure on staffing, space and resources.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00What specific advice can he give HMP Lewes?
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Those served with sexual offences at HMP Lewes and general are held
0:38:03 > 0:38:05in separate units providing suitable accommodation for their
0:38:05 > 0:38:22offending behaviour.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Perhaps I can reassure her that the prison received over ?100,000
0:38:25 > 0:38:27of a ?12 million Government fund for safety, planning
0:38:27 > 0:38:29to spend this on staff.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32There is a recruitment drive is going on at the moment.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Staff are being vetted, a number of staff will
0:38:34 > 0:38:35be starting imminently.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Surely the Minister would understand that whether it is prisoners
0:38:38 > 0:38:41who have been tried and convicted for crimes of a sexual nature
0:38:41 > 0:38:43or prisoners with mental health problems or other problems,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46it is the quality of management prisons which must give us
0:38:46 > 0:38:57all great concern.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00When my select committee looked at education in prisons,
0:39:00 > 0:39:04we kept coming back that the culture of the prison comes from the top
0:39:04 > 0:39:06and is supported by well-trained and well-educated prison officers.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Mr Speaker, I agree entirely with the honourable gentleman
0:39:08 > 0:39:12that the quality of the leadership in the prison makes a huge
0:39:12 > 0:39:15difference to the regime, has staff are inspired, but also how
0:39:15 > 0:39:20deep can rehabilitate offenders.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24That is why those on this side of the house argue for prison
0:39:24 > 0:39:26reform, where we empower these governors, give them control
0:39:26 > 0:39:29of budgets and enable you to get local resources to meet
0:39:29 > 0:39:31the needs of offenders.
0:39:31 > 0:39:43Number 11.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Mr Speaker, with permission I would like to group questions
0:39:46 > 0:39:4611 and 16.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Most offenders arrive in prison with very low levels of educational
0:39:50 > 0:39:52attainment, very high levels of substance misuse and often very
0:39:52 > 0:39:54poor histories of employment.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59I believe modern prisons have a purpose, to keep the public
0:39:59 > 0:40:02safe and tackle each of these issues, so prisoners
0:40:02 > 0:40:04have the foundations to secure and hold down
0:40:04 > 0:40:05a job on release.
0:40:05 > 0:40:12I would like to thank my honourable friend, but I have recently visited
0:40:12 > 0:40:21prisoners from my constituency who told me that offenders do not
0:40:21 > 0:40:26have access straightaway on release to
0:40:26 > 0:40:28national insurance numbers, bank accounts or unemployment benefits.
0:40:28 > 0:40:34What steps are the Government taking to improve this?
0:40:34 > 0:40:38I agree with the honourable member that if this through the gate
0:40:38 > 0:40:41service, as we call them, are to work and stop reoffending,
0:40:41 > 0:40:43things like national insurance numbers and bank accounts need
0:40:43 > 0:40:45to be in place.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48There are a series of programmes in place, including an offender
0:40:48 > 0:40:50banking programme which opened about 5000 new bank accounts every
0:40:50 > 0:40:55year.
0:40:55 > 0:41:11The Minister is right, in fact that research shows that
0:41:11 > 0:41:13employment after custody greatly affects the amount of reoffending.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16What are they doing with the Department for Work
0:41:16 > 0:41:18and Pensions to ensure offenders find work after they leave prison
0:41:18 > 0:41:20and also stay in work?
0:41:20 > 0:41:23To tackle the challenge of getting prisoners work when they leave,
0:41:23 > 0:41:26the member has rightly identified it acquires a concerted effort
0:41:26 > 0:41:27across Government and across the community.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Every prisoner has the opportunity to meet with a DWP work coach
0:41:31 > 0:41:34before their release and the role of the work coach is to guide
0:41:34 > 0:41:35them to employment.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Work coaches can ensure a prisoner knows their national insurance
0:41:37 > 0:41:41number and the other services they need in order to make
0:41:41 > 0:41:41the appropriate transition.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44When many prisoners are already on short-term sentences for under
0:41:44 > 0:41:49nine months and are often in prison for short periods, could he give
0:41:49 > 0:41:53some advice as to how governors will be judged on placing those
0:41:53 > 0:41:58prisoners into employment when the challenges are difficult?
0:41:58 > 0:42:04I've met with a number of governors since I've been appointed to this
0:42:04 > 0:42:07job, and most governors will tell you what they want is to be
0:42:07 > 0:42:10empowered to match resources to the needs of prisoners
0:42:10 > 0:42:13in their prison, working with local employers and the entire community.
0:42:13 > 0:42:21That is what governors want.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24The other point is that this is not just the responsibility
0:42:24 > 0:42:44of governors, if we want prisoners to go out and be able to find work,
0:42:44 > 0:42:50then businesses have a role, companies play a role
0:42:50 > 0:42:53and we all have a role, because prisoners can leave them
0:42:53 > 0:42:55and have jobs and restart their lives for the better
0:42:55 > 0:42:56and we all benefit.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59More than 60% of young people in the justice system
0:42:59 > 0:43:02have a communications disability and more than one third of young
0:43:02 > 0:43:05offenders have speaking and listening skills at the level
0:43:05 > 0:43:06expected for an 11-year-old.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09With the skills being fundamental with the ability to hold down a job,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12will the Minister update the house of what assessment the Government
0:43:12 > 0:43:15makes of speech and language support need and how well that
0:43:15 > 0:43:16need is being met?
0:43:16 > 0:43:19The member is obviously right, lots of prisoners arrived with huge
0:43:19 > 0:43:22learning difficulties and a disadvantage and that is well
0:43:22 > 0:43:24documented, what we need is individual programmes tailored
0:43:24 > 0:43:27to the needs of the prisoner and the way to do that
0:43:27 > 0:43:30as the honourable member said, is to empower governors to work
0:43:30 > 0:43:31with probation companies, rehabilitation organisations,
0:43:31 > 0:43:36to deliver these programmes.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39He said to the minister, I raise a report on this matter
0:43:39 > 0:43:42myself in two dozen and it's got a copy
0:43:42 > 0:43:44of voice and sure you'll find on the internet.
0:43:44 > 0:43:45Or in the house library.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47I'm sure the honourable gentleman does.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49We are immensely grateful.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52Fewer than half of the people entering our prisons have basic
0:43:52 > 0:44:01standards of English and maths, this is an enormous problem
0:44:01 > 0:44:04because we know low levels of education can prevent people
0:44:04 > 0:44:07from securing jobs on release and leading law-abiding lives.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10The secretary of state is right in saying in order to get a job
0:44:10 > 0:44:15the need to have both literacy and numeracy are essential.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18Should we be putting more resources into educating prisoners on release
0:44:18 > 0:44:20to be able to get jobs?
0:44:20 > 0:44:22My honourable friend is right.
0:44:22 > 0:44:27The fact is too many people enter our prisons without those
0:44:27 > 0:44:30skills, but we need to use that time in prison to help those prisoners
0:44:30 > 0:44:35gain those basic skills so they succeed outside.
0:44:35 > 0:44:43What we started doing is measuring, testing prisoners as they enter
0:44:43 > 0:44:46prisons, what I'm looking to see is, we measure the progress made
0:44:46 > 0:44:49during their stay in prison so we can hold governors
0:44:49 > 0:44:50accountable for that.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52Could the Minister confirmed there will be no return
0:44:52 > 0:44:54to the policy on banning books for prisoners?
0:44:54 > 0:45:00I confirm that books are freely available in prison.
0:45:00 > 0:45:14I warmly welcome the Right Honourable friend to her position.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18I was delighted to see the new Secretary of State
0:45:18 > 0:45:28talk about the importance of art in prisons and I hope
0:45:28 > 0:45:43that my honourable friend will recognise how they can teach
0:45:43 > 0:45:46prisoners a range of skills and hope she will meet the Arts
0:45:46 > 0:45:57Alliance that the earnest opportunity to discuss what the arts
0:45:57 > 0:46:01can do in particularly in relation to literacy.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05Firstly can I say what a fantastic job my honourable friend has
0:46:05 > 0:46:08done in championing the arts in every part of our country
0:46:08 > 0:46:09and his legacy lives on.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11It will live on in our prisons.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14I'm sure he is overcome with emotion, what a happy day.
0:46:14 > 0:46:20What discussions will she have with the Justice Department
0:46:20 > 0:46:23into devolved legislators to insure that best practice is replicated
0:46:23 > 0:46:29in improving literacy across prisons in all of the UK?
0:46:29 > 0:46:32I'm looking forward to meeting my counterparts across the UK
0:46:32 > 0:46:35and discussing these critical issues because it is a challenge
0:46:35 > 0:46:35we all face.
0:46:35 > 0:46:37Extreme brevity is now required.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40The Government's reform programme is intended to deliver a simple
0:46:40 > 0:46:42modern justice system that is available for everyone.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46East Lancashire, including my constituency of Blackburn and up
0:46:46 > 0:46:56to five other constituencies has only one Legal Aid,
0:46:56 > 0:46:58so that makes listers frontier with housing,
0:46:58 > 0:47:01what the Minister do about this desert of legal advice?
0:47:01 > 0:47:03It is important they should be legal aid available
0:47:03 > 0:47:05and it is in housing cases.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08As it is, in the most important cases where people's life or liberty
0:47:08 > 0:47:11or home is at stake, it is also available in domestic
0:47:11 > 0:47:13violence cases and cases where children may be
0:47:13 > 0:47:14taken into care.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17I'm grateful to the honourable lady for highlighting this issue.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20Let's be clear that legal aid in housing cases is something
0:47:20 > 0:47:22that is available and there is a national helpline
0:47:22 > 0:47:24as well as the services of lawyers across the country.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36Topical questions, Mr Douglas Carswell.
0:47:36 > 0:47:41I'm proud to take on the role of Lord Chancellor
0:47:41 > 0:47:48and Justice Secretary, upholding the rule of law
0:47:48 > 0:47:58and our justice system.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01I'm determined to insure our prisons are of safety and reform,
0:48:01 > 0:48:04where offenders can get off drugs, improve education and get the work
0:48:04 > 0:48:04likely to reoffend.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09skills they need to their less likely to reoffend.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12I would like to pay tribute to our brave prison officers
0:48:12 > 0:48:13and probation staff.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17Over the next couple of months I will lay out my plans for prison
0:48:17 > 0:48:20reform and setting out plans to modernise the courts to ensure
0:48:20 > 0:48:22we continue to have a world leading justice system.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26Sir James Mumby was asked to undertake a review of the family
0:48:26 > 0:48:28Court in August 2014, can the Minister shed light
0:48:28 > 0:48:32on ending the secrecy that can lead it to injustice.
0:48:32 > 0:48:37I thank the honourable gentleman for his
0:48:37 > 0:48:39question, I am due to meet James Mumby
0:48:39 > 0:48:41next week to discuss this issue.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44There's been some progress in bringing the family Court
0:48:44 > 0:48:49but there is a balance to be struck behind highly sensitive issues
0:48:49 > 0:48:51and opening it up fully, I will get more detail.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Will my honourable friend commit to using all the powers
0:48:54 > 0:48:57at her disposal to protect British military personnel and veterans
0:48:57 > 0:49:00who have served our country bravely and with great honour
0:49:00 > 0:49:02from the spurious and outrageous legal claims like those
0:49:02 > 0:49:05pursued by people such as public interest lawyers?
0:49:05 > 0:49:08I am delighted to tell my honourable friend that this summer the legal
0:49:08 > 0:49:11aid agency pulls the plug on its contract with public interest
0:49:11 > 0:49:14lawyers, it will no longer be adamant chasing our
0:49:14 > 0:49:14brave service personnel.
0:49:14 > 0:49:17Legal aid should support vulnerable people in our society,
0:49:17 > 0:49:20not used to pursue spurious cases against our Armed Forces who do
0:49:20 > 0:49:22so much to serve our country.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24Can I join colleagues in welcoming the new Justice Secretary
0:49:24 > 0:49:31and her team to their new roles.
0:49:31 > 0:49:43The Government has created the toxic conditions for the record levels
0:49:43 > 0:49:56of violence, drug crimes and death across the prisons
0:49:56 > 0:49:59by reducing the number of prison officers by one third yet the former
0:49:59 > 0:50:03prison minister spent much of his time at the dispatch box this
0:50:03 > 0:50:05year telling me privately about his department was not
0:50:05 > 0:50:06successful recruitment drive.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09He did Justice Secretary did not have the figures earlier answering
0:50:09 > 0:50:12a question from my friend, so I will help out.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15Can she explained why we have 421 fewer full-time equivalent front
0:50:15 > 0:50:17line prison officers working in our public prisons
0:50:17 > 0:50:19than we did one year ago?
0:50:19 > 0:50:22I fully acknowledge that we do have issues with violence and safety
0:50:22 > 0:50:25in our prison, the levels are unacceptable and I am determined
0:50:25 > 0:50:29to deal with issues like this and I will lay out my plans shortly.
0:50:29 > 0:50:30Since the Government has no provision privatisation,
0:50:30 > 0:50:33concerns have repeatedly been raised about the quality of presentence
0:50:33 > 0:50:37reports for the court as a result of arbitrary targets set.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40The probation inspectors have described this month as a persistent
0:50:40 > 0:50:42problem leading to inappropriate sentences being handed down.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45Vital safeguarding checks such as domestic violence checks
0:50:45 > 0:50:47with pulleys and child protection checked with children's services
0:50:47 > 0:50:49are not taking place prior to sentencing.
0:50:49 > 0:50:54Will the Justice Secretary commit to an urgent review
0:50:54 > 0:51:01so the public, probation professionals and sentences can
0:51:01 > 0:51:07have confidence when convicted criminals are sensed those deciding
0:51:07 > 0:51:09of all the necessary evidence available?
0:51:09 > 0:51:11Probation services do vital work at the minister responsible
0:51:11 > 0:51:14for prisons and probation is looking very close at this issue.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17I would point out that those on shorter sentences get much more
0:51:17 > 0:51:19support thanks to our new probation contracts.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21Questions must be brief.
0:51:21 > 0:51:26There is a lot to get to and not much time.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29I would never excuse criminal behaviour, but some former prisoners
0:51:29 > 0:51:33have been denied opportunities in life many of us take for granted,
0:51:33 > 0:51:35what is the department and other Government departments doing
0:51:35 > 0:51:43to ensure the life chances agenda extends the prisons?
0:51:43 > 0:51:45I thank my honourable friend for that question, prisons
0:51:45 > 0:51:51are places where some of the problems in society
0:51:51 > 0:51:52are magnified.
0:51:52 > 0:51:59As the Prime Minister said, if we're going have a society
0:51:59 > 0:52:08and country that works for everyone, prison reform is part
0:52:08 > 0:52:10including literacy, training, work in prisons
0:52:10 > 0:52:15and unemployment opportunities when people are released.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18The Secretary of State will know that Charlie Taylor was asked
0:52:18 > 0:52:22to carry out a review of the youth justice system last year and enter
0:52:22 > 0:52:24it does make an interim report was published in February
0:52:24 > 0:52:35and we were promised the final one in July, we don't have it,
0:52:35 > 0:52:39can the Secretary of State tell us when and
0:52:39 > 0:52:40where we will have an explanation?
0:52:40 > 0:52:42I thank the honourable lady for this question,
0:52:42 > 0:52:45it's an incredibly important issue, but the youth justice Minster
0:52:45 > 0:52:49and I have ever met Charlie Taylor and we will be publishing our
0:52:49 > 0:52:49response this autumn.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52Does the Department intends to promote English law,
0:52:52 > 0:52:55the rule of law and our legal sector around the world, particularly to
0:52:55 > 0:52:58take advantages of the opportunities that may arise from Brexit?
0:52:58 > 0:53:01English law had a huge impact spreading the rule of Law around
0:53:01 > 0:53:05the world, it is the law of choice in over one quarter of jurisdictions
0:53:05 > 0:53:08and Brexit gives us even more opportunities to promote this.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11I will champion our ?25 billion legal services industry as a key
0:53:11 > 0:53:13part of post-Brexit global Britain.
0:53:13 > 0:53:16The selected media has expressed concern that judges are reporting
0:53:16 > 0:53:21they hear no money claims at all, claims brought by workers
0:53:21 > 0:53:27in low-paid sectors and which often succeeded, when will the Government
0:53:27 > 0:53:30publish the review of the impact of implement tribunal fees
0:53:30 > 0:53:38which is now six months overdue and had to restore justice
0:53:38 > 0:53:40for low-paid workers?
0:53:40 > 0:53:44Can I start by welcoming the report on court and tribunal fees,
0:53:44 > 0:53:47we intend to respond and we will also publish the review
0:53:47 > 0:53:49of changes to employment tribunal fees in due course.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52This is an important area and we will do that.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55I would like to ask the Secretary of State about the treatment
0:53:55 > 0:53:58of women giving birth in prisons and those with young children.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01And whether she will do more to ensure that children have
0:54:01 > 0:54:07access to their mothers and where appropriate
0:54:07 > 0:54:12their fathers, and can be as near to them as possible?
0:54:12 > 0:54:18I thank the honourable lady for the question.
0:54:18 > 0:54:27100 babies resided in mother and baby units in prison in 2015,
0:54:27 > 0:54:30prisons do an excellent job making sure these environments are built
0:54:30 > 0:54:33as is possible and babies can spend time away from the prisoners
0:54:33 > 0:54:36nominated carers but knowing the importance of early years
0:54:36 > 0:54:38is essential we consider alternative ways of dealing with female
0:54:38 > 0:54:41offenders including those with young children and babies
0:54:41 > 0:54:41and care responsibilities.
0:54:41 > 0:54:44The Secretary of State alleged earlier to the closure and imminent
0:54:44 > 0:54:46sale of Holloway prison and made me aware
0:54:46 > 0:54:50of the wish to cite a women's sector on the site, discussions are taking
0:54:50 > 0:54:54place with the Mayor of London but I wonder if the Secretary
0:54:54 > 0:54:56of State could confirm that she and the Government
0:54:56 > 0:54:59will play its part in ensuring an outcome that secures services
0:54:59 > 0:55:00for women on that site.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04I thank the honourable lady for a question and I will be
0:55:04 > 0:55:15interested in looking more at the details on that proposal.
0:55:15 > 0:55:19Following the closure of the courthouse in my
0:55:19 > 0:55:30constituency, the previous minister decided that it should go
0:55:30 > 0:55:36to Stockport and Chesterfield as was originally intended.
0:55:36 > 0:55:39A sign has appeared on the district quarries that McCourt has seen
0:55:39 > 0:55:42the work when the Chesterfield, will my honourable friend
0:55:42 > 0:55:44investigators and injure the decision by the ministers
0:55:44 > 0:55:47admitted, not the one by the officials in the original
0:55:47 > 0:55:47flawed consultation?
0:55:47 > 0:55:51I am grateful to my honourable friend for having raised this issue,
0:55:51 > 0:55:54he will be pleased to note that I have had the notice taken down.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56But the response to the consultation stated
0:55:56 > 0:55:58that the work would go to Stockport and Chesterfield,
0:55:58 > 0:56:00that is what is happening.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03Further to a previous question, I have many constituents who cannot
0:56:03 > 0:56:06get access to employment tribunals because the fees have proved
0:56:06 > 0:56:08prohibitive that were introduced in the last parliament.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11Can the minister promised the house today that he will make a statement
0:56:11 > 0:56:14to the House on the impact of those fees?
0:56:14 > 0:56:17As he will have heard, we recognise that we need
0:56:17 > 0:56:22to produce our review, which we will publish,
0:56:22 > 0:56:25and also to respond to the Justice committee's report.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27And, of course, their documents, which will be available
0:56:27 > 0:56:28in the vote office.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31That will happen in due course, we are committed to that.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34And effective court administration is very different from retaining
0:56:34 > 0:56:35costly court buildings.
0:56:35 > 0:56:40But whether the closures are going hand-in-hand
0:56:40 > 0:56:53with investment and better use of technology and efficiencies,
0:56:53 > 0:56:56that includes in surrounding courts, not least in Bury, Mr Speaker.
0:56:56 > 0:57:00I was not psychic, but I realised what the honourable gentleman
0:57:00 > 0:57:03earlier was driving at and I am glad he was persistent.
0:57:03 > 0:57:03Persistence pays.
0:57:03 > 0:57:04Minister?
0:57:04 > 0:57:07My honourable friend is right, we need a programme
0:57:07 > 0:57:09of transformation that maintains the very high quality
0:57:09 > 0:57:10of our legal system.
0:57:10 > 0:57:14I don't think many in this house would disagree that it is one
0:57:14 > 0:57:16of the best in the world.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19But we want it to be the most modern as well.
0:57:19 > 0:57:23We are investing ?1 billion, we have saved a shard load of paper,
0:57:23 > 0:57:29as I mentioned earlier, and we will do a lot more of this.
0:57:29 > 0:57:32Our courts are benefiting from the digital revolution that
0:57:32 > 0:57:35every other part of society is benefiting from already.
0:57:35 > 0:57:38My constituent's 17-year-old son was murdered last year.
0:57:38 > 0:57:50Will the Minister meet with me and the mother to discuss
0:57:50 > 0:57:53the repeated failings in the justice system that mean that his killer
0:57:53 > 0:57:54is still walking the streets?
0:57:54 > 0:57:57I would be very happy to meet the honourable lady
0:57:57 > 0:58:01and her constituents, I am sorry to hear about the case.
0:58:01 > 0:58:03Colin Pitchfork was convicted of raping and murdering two young
0:58:03 > 0:58:06girls in the 1980s.
0:58:06 > 0:58:09Will the Minister please assure me and the public of their safety,
0:58:09 > 0:58:17given that Mr Pitchfork is being moved to an open prison?
0:58:17 > 0:58:19The honourable member will be aware that transferring prisoners
0:58:19 > 0:58:22from from one prison to another is done on a careful
0:58:22 > 0:58:29assessment of the risks.
0:58:29 > 0:58:33I am sure that would have taken place, but I am happy to discuss
0:58:33 > 0:58:35in detail if he wants to do so.
0:58:35 > 0:58:39Does the Secretary of State accept that the Human Rights Act
0:58:39 > 0:58:44is an indispensable part of the Good Friday Agreement,
0:58:44 > 0:58:47and whatever the plans for elsewhere, the Government
0:58:47 > 0:58:49is obligated to the retention of the Human Rights Act
0:58:49 > 0:58:53in Northern Ireland as a co-guarantor of
0:58:53 > 0:58:58the Good Agreement?
0:58:58 > 0:59:02The UK has led the world in human rights, from Magna Carta
0:59:02 > 0:59:04to habeas corpus.
0:59:04 > 0:59:08We are committed to bringing forward a British Bill of Rights to further
0:59:08 > 0:59:11build on these ancient protections.
0:59:11 > 0:59:17The Prime Minister has already met Nicola Sturgeon to make sure
0:59:17 > 0:59:22that the UK works together...
0:59:22 > 0:59:23And intensity meets...
0:59:23 > 0:59:26We intend to meet...
0:59:26 > 0:59:29We intend to meet, as the Secretary of State said, all those
0:59:29 > 0:59:38across the United Kingdom with concerns about it.
0:59:42 > 0:59:44You're under arrest.
0:59:44 > 0:59:46You're going to prison.
0:59:46 > 0:59:49In what sense are you free?
0:59:49 > 0:59:51I live at a level of intensity
0:59:51 > 0:59:54unknown to you and others of your type.
0:59:54 > 0:59:57You will never know the almost God-like power that I feel
0:59:57 > 1:00:00when that last bit of breath leaves a body...
1:00:00 > 1:00:04VOICE DISTORTS That feeling of complete possession.
1:00:06 > 1:00:08SHE TAKES A BREATH
1:00:11 > 1:00:13PLAYS FANFARE
1:00:20 > 1:00:21It's a bang.
1:00:21 > 1:00:23Whoosh!
1:00:23 > 1:00:25SINGS STRICTLY THEME
1:00:30 > 1:00:32You're getting grumpy.
1:00:35 > 1:00:36Ah-ha.
1:00:36 > 1:00:37What next?