0:00:19 > 0:00:23Order, order.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Questions to the Secretary of State for Justice.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Mr Dominic Raab.
0:00:27 > 0:00:34Number one.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38First of all, I would like to pay tribute to the work done
0:00:38 > 0:00:41by my honourable friend on human rights reform as a minister
0:00:41 > 0:00:41in this department.
0:00:41 > 0:00:50He is a great champion of liberty.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53This Government is committed to scrapping the Human Rights Act
0:00:53 > 0:00:55and introducing a British Bill of Rights.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56Dominic Raab.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00At the outset, it is an honour to be the first honourable member
0:01:00 > 0:01:04to welcome the new Justice Secretary and the new front bench team
0:01:04 > 0:01:08to their posts.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10I wish them every success.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Can I, personally, from experience, assure her that being a lawyer
0:01:13 > 0:01:16is of very limited value in her departments, no offence
0:01:16 > 0:01:23to the Minister of State!
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Britain's decision to leave the EU will remove the jurisdiction
0:01:26 > 0:01:28of the Luxembourg court, probably the biggest obstacle
0:01:28 > 0:01:30to delivering a Bill of Rights.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Can I welcome her in continuing with this reform and ask
0:01:33 > 0:01:35the government to provide consultation as soon as possible?
0:01:35 > 0:01:37I thank my honourable friend for his question.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40This is an important reform, we need to get it right.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42We will be introducing proposals in due course,
0:01:42 > 0:01:51we will deliver on this manifesto commitment.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Which convention rights does the Justice Secretary propose
0:01:53 > 0:01:56to leave out of the Bill of Rights?
0:01:56 > 0:01:59I thank the honourable gentleman for his question.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02I remember with fondness our time together on the Justice select
0:02:02 > 0:02:04committee, where he had many good thoughts to put
0:02:04 > 0:02:10forward at that time.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13We will be putting out our proposals in due course that will discuss this
0:02:13 > 0:02:17issue in detail.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20One of the important points is that we want to see the ultimate
0:02:20 > 0:02:23arbiter of those rights be the Supreme Court of
0:02:23 > 0:02:27the United Kingdom.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Charlie Elphicke.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Does the Secretary of State agree with me that one of the problems
0:02:32 > 0:02:35with the current setup is the code includes many reservations
0:02:35 > 0:02:37and qualifications which the European Court does not embrace,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41and a British Bill of Rights could ensure that there is proper
0:02:41 > 0:02:48balance and the interest of justice can be served?
0:02:48 > 0:02:51My honourable friend makes a very good point, that is absolutely
0:02:51 > 0:02:55the reason that we want to pursue a British Bill of Rights
0:02:55 > 0:03:02that'll put that in place.
0:03:02 > 0:03:02Alistair Carmichael.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06If we are to have the Supreme Court as the ultimate arbiter, does this
0:03:06 > 0:03:09mean that if the Lord Chancellor wants to withdraw from
0:03:09 > 0:03:14the European Convention?
0:03:14 > 0:03:17The Prime Minister has been very clear that leaving the easy HR
0:03:17 > 0:03:19is not something that we will pursue.
0:03:19 > 0:03:26Julian Brazier.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Could I too welcome my right honourable friend to her post,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31and her determination to proceed with a British Bill of Rights?
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Could I urge her to remember that the cornerstone of the rule
0:03:35 > 0:03:38of law in this country has always been the sovereignty of Parliament,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41could I urge her not to listen to those who argue that somehow
0:03:41 > 0:03:45or other getting rid of an act which came 40 years after we had
0:03:45 > 0:03:49signed up to the European Convention on human rights somehow or other
0:03:49 > 0:04:02undermines our position within the treaty?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05He is absolutely right, human rights were not invented
0:04:05 > 0:04:07in 1998 with the Human Rights Act.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10We have a strong record of the country of human rights
0:04:10 > 0:04:21dating back to Magna Carta.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25The British Bill of Rights is going to be the next step
0:04:25 > 0:04:27in enshrining those rights in our laws.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31May I welcome the Secretary of State to her new role and say that well,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34of course it is not a prerequisite for her role to be a lawyer,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38she will no doubt wish to listen carefully to any legal advice
0:04:38 > 0:04:39she receives in order...
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Relation to any proposals to reform the law.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43There was almost universal opposition to the repeal
0:04:43 > 0:04:46of the Human Rights Act in Scotland, reflected in the Scottish parliament
0:04:46 > 0:04:53and across Scottish Civic Society.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56On the 11th of August I wrote to the Government of Britain seeking
0:04:56 > 0:04:59clarification on the plans of the so-called reform
0:04:59 > 0:05:00to the Human Rights Act.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02I have yet to receive a substantive response.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05At what stage in her plans with the Secretary of State seek
0:05:05 > 0:05:08to consult with the Scottish Government, and can she confirmed
0:05:08 > 0:05:10that she will listen to and respect the answer?
0:05:10 > 0:05:12I thank her for her question.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16I have already had a number of legal meetings on this issue and I am sure
0:05:16 > 0:05:19I will enjoy working with the legal profession in this role.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22The Prime Minister has already had a very good meeting
0:05:22 > 0:05:25with the First Minister of Scotland, I will be meeting the Scottish
0:05:25 > 0:05:34justice minister shortly to discuss a number of issues.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Order, I apologise, I had not realised that the honourable
0:05:36 > 0:05:40and Leonard lady wanted a second bite of herself.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43LAUGHTER I was rather hoping to have the second bite
0:05:43 > 0:05:46of Her Majesty's Government.
0:05:46 > 0:05:54I thank the Secretary of State for her early response.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57If she has been having legal meetings about the Human Rights Act
0:05:57 > 0:06:01she would have been advised that human rights are not a reserved
0:06:01 > 0:06:03matter, therefore the Scottish Parliament must be consulted
0:06:03 > 0:06:06regarding any legislation with regard to human rights.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09During the independence rep around, Scotland was told it was an equal
0:06:09 > 0:06:10partner in this union.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Did she appreciate that to repeal the Human Rights Act across the UK
0:06:13 > 0:06:16would fly in the face of that promise and exacerbate
0:06:16 > 0:06:18the democratic deficit that already exists in Scotland,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22where a Tory Government we did not vote for is planning to take us out
0:06:22 > 0:06:36of the European Union against our will?
0:06:36 > 0:06:38I thank her for her question.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41I would point out that this was in the Conservative Party
0:06:41 > 0:06:43manifesto, we secured a majority at the general election.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47As I said, I will be in touch with the Scottish justice minister
0:06:47 > 0:06:49and look forward to talking to him on the subject.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50Richard Bergen.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51Thank you again, Mr Speaker.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54I would like to welcome the Secretary of State
0:06:54 > 0:07:10to her new role.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13It is good to see a Leeds person at both dispatch boxes.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Like me, I understand that she comes from good left-wing Leeds stock,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18I look forward to our exchanges.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20In her swearing-in ceremony, the Justice Secretary quoted
0:07:20 > 0:07:22with approval the late Lord Bingham.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24On the Human Rights Act, Lord Bingham asked in 2009,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27which of these rights, I asked, would you wish to discard?
0:07:27 > 0:07:31And went on to say there may be those who would like to live
0:07:31 > 0:07:34in a country where these rights are not protected,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37but I am not of their number.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40To get the Secretary of State another chance, because she failed
0:07:40 > 0:07:43to answer the question from my honourable friend the member
0:07:43 > 0:07:45for Kingston-upon-Hull earlier, which of these rights did
0:07:45 > 0:07:46she wish to discard?
0:07:46 > 0:07:49I also welcome the honourable gentleman to the dispatch box,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52it is great to have somebody who is also from Leeds facing me.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55And to highlight the error of my ways after growing up
0:07:55 > 0:08:03in a left-wing household in that great city.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07LAUGHTER All I can say is I believe that everyone is capable of reform,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09even those, Mr Speaker, on the benches opposite.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12I have not given up hope yet on the Shadow Secretary of State
0:08:12 > 0:08:25for Health adjusters.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28The whole purpose of the Bill of Rights is to enhance human
0:08:28 > 0:08:29rights in this country.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32We have leading human rights since Magna Carta,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35the Bill of Rights published in Wales in 1689, and we will
0:08:35 > 0:08:38continue to lead the world in human rights.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Thank you very much to the Secretary of State for that response.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44But we were very clear that we will replace
0:08:44 > 0:08:47the Human Rights Act, which is not working for British
0:08:47 > 0:08:56people, with a British Bill of Rights.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59It gives the ultimate power to citizens in this country.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02These were the words of the Secretary of State
0:09:02 > 0:09:04on the today programme in May 20 15.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Given that and the answer she has just given, can she explain
0:09:07 > 0:09:10to the house why she wants to rob the people of Britain
0:09:10 > 0:09:14of their rights, and will she admits that talk of a so-called bill
0:09:14 > 0:09:17of rights is simply posturing and making concessions to the hard
0:09:17 > 0:09:24right of the Conservative Party?
0:09:24 > 0:09:28Human rights were not invented in 1998 with the Human Rights Act.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32There are major issues with the Human Rights Act.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35We need to move forward, had a British Bill of Rights that
0:09:35 > 0:09:42enshrines our ancient liberties.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45We do now need to make progress, as there are lots of questions,
0:09:45 > 0:09:46and progress has been slow so far.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Can we be speeded up by Mr John Mann?
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Hate crime is abhorrent and has no place in society,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57the Government published its plan to tackle hate crime,
0:09:57 > 0:10:09Action Against Hate, in July 20 16.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12The Government believes that the enforcement of criminal
0:10:12 > 0:10:14legislation has an important role in tackling online hate,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Willie deterrence and prevention which needs a broader response
0:10:16 > 0:10:18and effective management from the Internet industry.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Last time I asked the Secretary of State question she invited me to
0:10:22 > 0:10:30join her on a delegation to China.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32May I reciprocate and invite the front bench to come to Bassetlaw
0:10:32 > 0:10:36May I reciprocate and invite the front bench to come to Bassetlaw
0:10:36 > 0:10:40today in the Jubilee room, hosted by myself and the member for Newark?
0:10:40 > 0:10:42True Vision, the Internet reporting organisation based in her officers,
0:10:42 > 0:10:45is the pride and joy of her department and the envy
0:10:45 > 0:10:47of every other Government in the world.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Is she going to allow it to disappear into some other
0:10:50 > 0:10:52government departments, or will she keep it
0:10:52 > 0:11:07in her department?
0:11:07 > 0:11:09I thank him for his characteristically delivered
0:11:09 > 0:11:09question.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12The Secretary of State, I gather, recently wrote to him
0:11:12 > 0:11:13on this matter.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16The cross government hate crime programme is highly regarded by this
0:11:16 > 0:11:16government, and internationally.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19I am committed to ensuring that this important work continues.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21I would like to welcome my honourable friend.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24The government was right to make posting revenge porn online crime.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Figures released today show that have been 200 prosecutions,
0:11:27 > 0:11:29yet more than 1000 reported cases of revenge pornography
0:11:29 > 0:11:38reported to the police.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Does the Minister agree with me that as with other sex-related crimes,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43perhaps anonymity for victims needs to be carefully considered
0:11:43 > 0:11:44in these cases?
0:11:44 > 0:11:47I thank my honourable friend for this question and the work
0:11:47 > 0:11:51she and the select committee do in this area, it is a terrible abuse
0:11:51 > 0:11:56of trust which can leave victims feeling the bated and degraded.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59By making it a specific offence can offence we've sent clear message
0:11:59 > 0:12:02this will not be tolerated, with regard to anonymity I'm
0:12:02 > 0:12:05interested in what she's saying she would write me on that issue
0:12:05 > 0:12:09I will consider it.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Can I welcome the Minister to his post and ask if he has seen
0:12:13 > 0:12:15the comments the Director of Public Prosecutions
0:12:15 > 0:12:18this morning that social media is one of the driving forces behind
0:12:18 > 0:12:21the record high in recorded crimes, violent crimes against women
0:12:21 > 0:12:24and girls, and welcomed what he said about needing a broader response
0:12:24 > 0:12:30to these issues.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Can he tell me what he plans to do to safeguard the many specialist
0:12:34 > 0:12:36services that exist to support women who are suffering online
0:12:36 > 0:12:38harassment and abuse, many of which are suffering
0:12:38 > 0:12:48from funding cuts?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50As I already stated, this crime is deplorable.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I suspect it has always happened and social media has facilitated it
0:12:53 > 0:12:57and we are now detecting a greater level of crime of this kind.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00I am determined to maintain services that support women and men
0:13:00 > 0:13:03who are subjected to this crime and will continue to keep a close
0:13:03 > 0:13:05eye on that.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08What action is the Government taking to combat online anti-Semitic hate
0:13:08 > 0:13:15crime emanating from extremist groups on campus?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Like revenge porn, these are all pulling crimes,
0:13:18 > 0:13:20more easily committed by the internet and use of anonymity
0:13:20 > 0:13:22with specifically regards to anti-Semitism, thanks
0:13:22 > 0:13:25to the fantastic work for the member for Bassetlaw and his all-party
0:13:25 > 0:13:27group, the Government has made significant advances
0:13:27 > 0:13:39and I will consider her comments, particularly on campus.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42In the last year, assaults have risen by 31% and those on staff
0:13:42 > 0:13:44in our prisons have risen by 40%.
0:13:44 > 0:13:55This is totally an acceptable and I'm determined to tackle it.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Reforming prisons will only be possible if they are made safer
0:13:58 > 0:14:10places for staff and offenders alike.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14The section of state makes clear prisons safety continues
0:14:14 > 0:14:19to deteriorate and is a major problem putting prisoners
0:14:19 > 0:14:22and staff at risk, but the major issue that must be tackled
0:14:22 > 0:14:23is the retention of staff.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Can she set out what she will do to make this a priority and how
0:14:27 > 0:14:30she will succeed her predecessors have failed?
0:14:30 > 0:14:33I agree with the honourable lady that retention of staff
0:14:33 > 0:14:34is a very important issue.
0:14:34 > 0:14:40I've been to a number of prisons and seen how brave, fearless
0:14:40 > 0:14:45and hardworking our prison officers are, they are a vital in turning
0:14:45 > 0:14:48around offenders and getting them the education and skills they need
0:14:48 > 0:14:50to succeed outside and I'm determined to support
0:14:50 > 0:14:53them and work with them.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58Over the coming months, I will lay out more detailed plans.
0:14:58 > 0:15:06May I warmly welcome the secretary of state and her team
0:15:06 > 0:15:11to their posts, lawyers do sometimes have their uses.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Her predecessor made prison reform a centrepiece of the agenda,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15he rightly described the deterioration in safety
0:15:15 > 0:15:18and prisons as terrible.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21The figures have now got worse, he committed to an action plan
0:15:21 > 0:15:23to tackle violence in our prisons.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28Will she reaffirm that?
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Can she tell us what specific steps will be taken to deal
0:15:31 > 0:15:34with what is a ticking time bomb that we have
0:15:34 > 0:15:41in our criminal justice system?
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Because nothing else works if that isn't right.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Can I first say how pleased I've been to be able to meet the chairman
0:15:51 > 0:15:58of the select committee, I take the advice of all my lawyers,
0:15:58 > 0:16:04but particularly the chairman of the select committee,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06extremely seriously.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11This is a critical issue that faces our prisons.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15We cannot have reform in our prisons if we don't have safe prisons
0:16:15 > 0:16:16for people to work in.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19These things go hand-in-hand and I'm committed to an agenda
0:16:19 > 0:16:21of making our prisons safe and places of reform,
0:16:21 > 0:16:26I will lay out my plan is very shortly on this issue and I look
0:16:26 > 0:16:28forward to discussing it more with the select committee tomorrow.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Will the Secretary of State look again at statements that were made
0:16:32 > 0:16:34by her department recently around numbers of prison officers,
0:16:34 > 0:16:40her department claims the number has increased, it hasn't
0:16:40 > 0:16:49and when will she look again because I believe they have not
0:16:49 > 0:16:51taken into account staff being regretted
0:16:51 > 0:16:54or the number of hours actually work when she examines the number
0:16:54 > 0:16:55of officers in the system.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59I thank the honourable lady for her question, I will of course
0:16:59 > 0:17:02look at those numbers in detail and I'm looking at them just now.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05What I would say as well as the number of staff,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08it is important how staff are deployed and how staff
0:17:08 > 0:17:12are trained and the Paras the governors have to be able to get
0:17:12 > 0:17:14the best out of the staff working in the prisons.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17I agree, staff are crucial to make our prisons work well.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21One of the causes of lack of safety and prisons has been
0:17:21 > 0:17:23psychoactive substances, with the secretary agree with me
0:17:23 > 0:17:26that the ban on possession of the substances in prison should
0:17:26 > 0:17:28improve the safety of other prisoners and prison officers
0:17:28 > 0:17:31if that ban is properly enforced?
0:17:31 > 0:17:34My honourable friend is right, they have, MPS have been a major
0:17:34 > 0:17:39issue in our prisons.
0:17:39 > 0:17:55I was pleased when I visited HMP Norwich last week to see
0:17:55 > 0:18:09they are using the new legislation to tackle that issue.
0:18:09 > 0:18:16They search and catch people out and they are succeeding in reducing
0:18:16 > 0:18:27the amount of usage of that drug already.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30I would like more of this type of programme happening more
0:18:30 > 0:18:31across our prison estate.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Forgive me, I think the summer recess has taken its toll, I am
0:18:34 > 0:18:37determined to ensure our prisons are places of safety and reform,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40we need to help get offenders of drugs, improve their education
0:18:40 > 0:18:44and get the work skills they need so they are less likely
0:18:44 > 0:18:45to reoffend when they come out.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Could she answer this question, does she see a connection
0:18:48 > 0:18:51between the long-term decline in prison officer numbers down 30%
0:18:51 > 0:18:53between 2010 and 2013 and they are going down again
0:18:53 > 0:18:55and this massive increase on assaults on staff,
0:18:55 > 0:18:5790% up on the last month?
0:18:57 > 0:19:00I thank the honourable gentleman for his question, there are many
0:19:00 > 0:19:10factors driving prison violence and self harm, I am looking
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I am looking at the evidence about what will work
0:19:13 > 0:19:15and what steps we can take, but I'm
0:19:15 > 0:19:19determined to tackle this and I'm very clear the current levels of
0:19:19 > 0:19:20violence we have are unacceptable.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Can I warmly congratulate the secretary of state
0:19:22 > 0:19:24and the new ministerial team on their appointment,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27of course we need more prison officers but can of these extra
0:19:29 > 0:19:32of state and their ministers to look at greater use
0:19:32 > 0:19:35of prisoners as mentors.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Wandsworth is leading the way with 50 mentors teaching
0:19:37 > 0:19:40education, but we can also do this in terms of both employment
0:19:40 > 0:19:49for therapeutic use and to cut down the use of drugs.
0:19:49 > 0:19:59I referred to that my honourable friend and as group to prison
0:19:59 > 0:20:02minister who's done tremendous work and we're learning from the work
0:20:02 > 0:20:03he carried out in the Department.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07He makes an important point and I think we need to look
0:20:07 > 0:20:09at overall prison culture in some of our best prisons,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12we do have exemplary work going on such as mentoring
0:20:12 > 0:20:14and we have to make sure that is happening
0:20:14 > 0:20:16across our prison estate.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19The Secretary of State might be aware the head of the prison service
0:20:19 > 0:20:22in Northern Ireland recently stepped down, attacks on prison staff
0:20:22 > 0:20:24are on the rise, can she ensure her department
0:20:24 > 0:20:26is engaging actively with the Department of Justice
0:20:26 > 0:20:29in Northern Ireland to see what lessons can be learned
0:20:29 > 0:20:32and to try and improve safety and prisons in Northern Ireland?
0:20:32 > 0:20:34I thank the honourable gentleman for his question,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37I have been in touch with the Justice minister
0:20:37 > 0:20:39in Northern Ireland and I look forward to speaking
0:20:39 > 0:20:44to her in due course.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47May I congratulate the secretary of state on her appointment,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50is part of the problem that we have so many Victorian prisons?
0:20:50 > 0:20:51The honourable gentleman is right.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55We have a big issue with prisons that are out of date and not
0:20:55 > 0:21:08fit for purpose.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10It makes it more difficult for our excellent governors
0:21:10 > 0:21:11and officers to manage well.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14I'm pleased to say this summer we were able to close
0:21:14 > 0:21:15Holloway prison.
0:21:15 > 0:21:36We have our ?1.3 billion building programme and what I want to see his
0:21:36 > 0:21:45new modern prison built, so that we can see prisoners get
0:21:45 > 0:21:46the education and work then as required
0:21:46 > 0:21:48in outside life.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49As McGeeney to succeed.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52And close down some of our most dilapidated and outdated prisons.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55It is crucial that victims of crime are supported as effectively
0:21:55 > 0:21:58as possible, the victims called was revised in 2015, victims of all,
0:21:58 > 0:22:01no fences after entitled to support from a wide range of organisation
0:22:01 > 0:22:04as well as criminal justice agencies.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06The reforms the court will improve services for victims
0:22:06 > 0:22:08and their families got ensemble to give evidence
0:22:08 > 0:22:09remotely and digitally.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Over 23,000 individual crimes reported in Enfield over the past 12
0:22:12 > 0:22:16months, for far too long the victims of these crimes have been forgotten
0:22:16 > 0:22:18and ignored by the criminal justice system.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Given that the victims commissioner support the introduction of a long
0:22:21 > 0:22:23for victims of crime, when will the Government
0:22:23 > 0:22:25fulfil its election manifesto commitment to bring forward
0:22:25 > 0:22:26legislation on the issue?
0:22:26 > 0:22:28I thank the honourable lady for her question.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32We want to make sure all vulnerable and intimidated witnesses can give
0:22:32 > 0:22:34the best evidence in court and feel less anxious,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37we are committed to making sure victims of crime get the support
0:22:37 > 0:22:38they need.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40We have protected the overall level of funding
0:22:40 > 0:22:46for victims across the spending review period and have announced
0:22:46 > 0:22:49funding of over 95 million pounds in 2016 to find
0:22:49 > 0:22:55critical support services.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57Victims of crime want to see the perpetrators of that
0:22:57 > 0:22:58crime properly punished.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Is the minister happy that prisoners are automatically released halfway
0:23:02 > 0:23:09through their prison sentence, no matter how disruptive
0:23:09 > 0:23:16they are or much how much of a threat they still pose,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20or does he agree that prisoners should serve the sentence
0:23:20 > 0:23:24as was handed down by the courts in full?
0:23:24 > 0:23:27I thank my honourable friend for his question.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29The purpose of justice and the justice system must be
0:23:29 > 0:23:31the primary goal to reduce reoffending.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34If somebody in prison has been assessed and is deemed not a risk
0:23:34 > 0:23:38to society and is being properly rehabilitated, it is in the best
0:23:38 > 0:23:41interests of that individual and for that person to be released.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42Too often the victims of criminal driving,
0:23:42 > 0:23:52they are and their families are not treated as victims of crime,
0:23:52 > 0:24:02told they were involved in an accident.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07When will that be changed and can the Minister tell us
0:24:07 > 0:24:10when we will finally get the review into the sentencing of these
0:24:10 > 0:24:15types of offences?
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Thank you for the question.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22I don't see that as part of my purview but if he would write
0:24:22 > 0:24:24to me I will reply to him on this issue.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27I would agree victims in these situations need more protection
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and the culture needs to change.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32The best ways to ensure justice is served is to ensure victims
0:24:32 > 0:24:35have the chance to make a victim impact statement to the court
0:24:35 > 0:24:37but this does not always happen.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40What can the Minister do to ensure this happens in every case?
0:24:40 > 0:24:42I thank the honourable gentleman for his question.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46As I understand it, they are getting more opportunity to do this now
0:24:46 > 0:24:48because of the opportunity to do this online.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50I would agree that this is something that
0:24:50 > 0:24:52should be put in place.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54As has been mentioned earlier, today's report on violence
0:24:54 > 0:24:57against women and girls shows an increase in prosecutions,
0:24:57 > 0:25:02however victims charities remain concerned about their futures
0:25:02 > 0:25:05as was stated by the chair of the police and crime commissioners
0:25:05 > 0:25:07supporting the group when asking the ministry to clarify
0:25:07 > 0:25:10funding available to be cc earlier this year.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13The minister told my honourable friend for Wigan that he would be
0:25:13 > 0:25:17keeping an eye on this matter, which is not good enough
0:25:17 > 0:25:24with respect.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Will the secretary of state confirm victim services will receive
0:25:28 > 0:25:31the full funding required?
0:25:31 > 0:25:40The victim services budget has increased significantly from ?48
0:25:40 > 0:25:53million to around ?95 pounds in the current financial year.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56In 2016 and 17 we have allocated about ?7 billion to 99 rape support
0:25:56 > 0:25:59centres providing up to male and female victims of rape
0:25:59 > 0:26:00and child sexual abuse.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03I do not recognise the description the shadow minister has given,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05this Government is committed to protecting victims,
0:26:05 > 0:26:07particularly women who have been victims of crime.
0:26:07 > 0:26:08Question number six.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11The illicit use of mobile phones in prison undermines security,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14order and control and has been linked to many forms of criminality.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17This Government is determined to take action to stop it?
0:26:17 > 0:26:19The connection between technology and radicalisation by
0:26:19 > 0:26:22the dissemination of extremism in prisons is one of the most
0:26:22 > 0:26:23critical challenges we face.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Will my honourable friend continue to do all that is possible
0:26:26 > 0:26:31to ensure that prisoners, who already face difficulties
0:26:31 > 0:26:34re-engaging in with society, do not have a difficult task made
0:26:34 > 0:26:36impossible by those who would use mobile phones and technology
0:26:36 > 0:26:41to spread extremist poisoning?
0:26:41 > 0:26:44My honourable friend will have no doubt seen the Government response
0:26:44 > 0:26:46to the review on extremism.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure extremist ideologies
0:26:49 > 0:27:01are not spread by any means, including mobile phones.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04There have been reports in Swansea prison of people simply throwing
0:27:04 > 0:27:06mobile phones over the wall, which provides anonymity
0:27:06 > 0:27:09for prisoners to indulge in all sorts of criminal activity.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12What is he doing about this sort of thing?
0:27:12 > 0:27:14He makes a very important point, every governor I have spoken
0:27:14 > 0:27:17to in the last six weeks has mentioned the growing problem
0:27:17 > 0:27:20of illegal mobile phones in prison.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22I believe technology is vital to detect and block these
0:27:22 > 0:27:29phones, so in addition to the range of technologies already deployed
0:27:29 > 0:27:32across the prison estate, we have held a high-level meeting
0:27:32 > 0:27:34with mobile network operators asking them to use their expertise
0:27:34 > 0:27:36to develop new technological solutions to deny mobile
0:27:36 > 0:27:52phone signals in prisons.
0:27:52 > 0:27:53As responsible businesses, I expect these operators
0:27:53 > 0:27:54to fully cooperate.
0:27:54 > 0:28:00Question seven.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05There is and there will be an appropriate level of corporate
0:28:05 > 0:28:09vision for the people of Bury.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Thank you, and I warmly welcome my honourable and learned
0:28:12 > 0:28:15friend to his new role, and thank you for that brief reply.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18While school provision might be regarded as adequate now,
0:28:18 > 0:28:20what is important is that it continues to be
0:28:20 > 0:28:29adequate in the future.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32And with the new Lord Chancellor and a new ministerial team,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35could I ask that they look again at the proposals
0:28:35 > 0:28:37for North Manchester, particularly the consequential
0:28:37 > 0:28:40effects on, for example, the police budget as the police
0:28:40 > 0:28:42are faced with longer journey times when they attend court?
0:28:42 > 0:28:44I am immensely indebted to the honourable gentleman.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48Can I start by paying tribute to the work that my honourable
0:28:48 > 0:28:51friend has done, and for the proposals that he has put
0:28:51 > 0:29:02forward about his local court situation.
0:29:02 > 0:29:09He will know, as a lawyer as well, that we are investing huge amounts
0:29:09 > 0:29:11of money, ?1 billion, to transform Court Tribunerals.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14This modern technology improves efficiency and means fewer people
0:29:14 > 0:29:15need to attend court in person.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18There are excellent facilities are available to the people
0:29:18 > 0:29:20of Bury and Manchester, which has some of the best
0:29:20 > 0:29:21courts in the country.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25The Minister will know that the proposals across the whole
0:29:25 > 0:29:28of Greater Manchester are quite far reaching and controversial in parts
0:29:28 > 0:29:34of that city region.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Can he explain to the house is precisely what has been agreed
0:29:37 > 0:29:40with the Greater Manchester combined authority in the memorandum
0:29:40 > 0:29:43of understanding that his department has signed with them,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47and whether or not it means the combined authority can look
0:29:47 > 0:29:52again at some of those procedures?
0:29:52 > 0:29:56Of course, he will realise that none of these decisions is taken lightly
0:29:56 > 0:30:02and it is important to work closely with local government.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04That is exactly what has been happening.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Just to give him an impression of the tremendous improvement
0:30:08 > 0:30:10that this court modernisation programme is making,
0:30:10 > 0:30:14it has been going for four months and 6 million pieces of paper have
0:30:14 > 0:30:17been avoided as a result, that is a pile of paper,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19using digital case files.
0:30:19 > 0:30:206 million pieces of paper avoided, meaning a pile as high
0:30:22 > 0:30:27as the largest building in London, the Shard.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31Huntington is a splendid part of the world which deserves to be
0:30:31 > 0:30:32very well represented by the honourable gentleman,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35but it is a long way from Bury, to which this
0:30:35 > 0:30:43question exclusively relates.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45The question is about Bury.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50He can come in later and I look forward to hearing from him.
0:30:50 > 0:30:57This information is published by the legal professions.
0:30:57 > 0:31:05For example, 13% of QCs are women and 6% of QCs declare themselves
0:31:05 > 0:31:10as coming from a BAME background.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12That shows a very limited progress.
0:31:12 > 0:31:21What can the Government do to improve this?
0:31:21 > 0:31:24I thank him for his question. do to improve this?
0:31:24 > 0:31:28We want a justice system that works for everyone, a legal services
0:31:28 > 0:31:30industry using all the talent in our country.
0:31:30 > 0:31:36I have already had very positive conversations with the Lord Chief
0:31:36 > 0:31:42Justice, who is keen to improve diversity figures in the judiciary,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45and I am due to meet the bar Council shortly to talk
0:31:45 > 0:31:47specifically about the bar.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50What assessment has my right honourable friend made
0:31:50 > 0:31:53of opportunities to increase apprenticeship-based routes
0:31:53 > 0:31:55into the legal professions and the prison services,
0:31:55 > 0:31:56to increase social mobility?
0:31:56 > 0:32:00I thank him for his question, I am a huge fan of apprenticeships.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03With the new apprenticeship levy, that brings a big opportunity
0:32:03 > 0:32:05for some of our large legal services firms,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07but right across the board to increase the number
0:32:07 > 0:32:18of apprenticeships.
0:32:18 > 0:32:24It is something I will talk to them about over the coming months.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27As one London provider of legal education, fees for the academic
0:32:27 > 0:32:31year ahead are as follows, nearly ?11,000 for the graduate
0:32:31 > 0:32:33diploma in law, over ?15,000 for the legal practice course
0:32:33 > 0:32:36and almost ?19,000 for the bar professional training course.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39On top of the cost of university education, these fees
0:32:39 > 0:32:41are beyond the reach of many from ordinary backgrounds.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Given this reality, how will the Minister ensure
0:32:43 > 0:32:51a diverse legal profession?
0:32:51 > 0:32:54I thank him for his question.
0:32:54 > 0:33:05I have been discussing this right across the legal profession.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09One of the issues that we have is that the younger end,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12we are seeing a lot more diversity, the question is how people progress
0:33:12 > 0:33:13through the pipeline.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16I would like to see more transparency so we can look
0:33:16 > 0:33:18at people moving through the system.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20I have no doubt that with the Lord Chief Justice
0:33:20 > 0:33:24and leading judges, they want to see more diversity and they are
0:33:24 > 0:33:25keen to work with me.
0:33:25 > 0:33:25Number nine.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29With your permission, I will group this with question 15.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33Prisons must become places of rehabilitation where offenders
0:33:33 > 0:33:36can change their lives and turn away from crime, addressing health needs
0:33:36 > 0:33:38including mental health is key in this.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41We are committed to meeting the mental health needs
0:33:41 > 0:33:42of prisoners.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44All prisons must have procedures in place to identify,
0:33:44 > 0:33:48manage and support those with mental illnesses.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Can the Minister confirm that governors will have new powers
0:33:51 > 0:33:58and abilities to run their own mental health and health budgets,
0:33:58 > 0:34:04and will that also include co-commissioning of mental health
0:34:04 > 0:34:09services with local CCGs?
0:34:09 > 0:34:12It is under consideration at present, I think commissioners
0:34:12 > 0:34:15have an important part to play in helping to structure health care
0:34:15 > 0:34:31services within prison.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Does the Department have a figure for the numbers in prison
0:34:34 > 0:34:37at the moment who have mental health issues, would my honourable friend
0:34:37 > 0:34:40reassure me that prison staff are adequately trained to deal
0:34:40 > 0:34:42with those people exhibiting mental health issues?
0:34:42 > 0:34:43I thank him for his question.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Based on a Ministry of Justice survey, 49% of prisoners
0:34:46 > 0:34:49were assessed as being at risk from anxiety and/ or depression,
0:34:49 > 0:34:5116% reported symptoms indicative of psychosis.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Department of Health figures are somewhat different,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55north of 90% of prisoners have a mental health problem
0:34:55 > 0:34:57if you include substance misuse.
0:34:57 > 0:35:13This is an area where I am seeking more data.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16We are committed to meeting the mental health needs
0:35:16 > 0:35:18of prisoners, which is why all new intake prison officers
0:35:18 > 0:35:20receive mental health awareness training as part of
0:35:20 > 0:35:21entry-level training.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24100 people have taken their lives in prison in the past year,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26the highest level for over 25 years.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30Over 9000 people have self harmed in prisons, an increase of over 25%
0:35:30 > 0:35:35in the last year alone.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39I think the Government should be ashamed, I think it is a dereliction
0:35:39 > 0:35:40of their duty of care.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44I want to know what they will actually do to look at the thousands
0:35:44 > 0:35:47of prisoners who had serious mental health conditions and are not
0:35:47 > 0:35:48being looked after.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50I thank the honourable lady for her question.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53Mental health is pretty complex, the genesis of problems do not just
0:35:53 > 0:36:06occur in the terms of the parliament.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09The system in place in terms of mental health care
0:36:09 > 0:36:12and the continuity of care for people before,
0:36:12 > 0:36:14during and after their stay in prison is clearly not
0:36:14 > 0:36:15worried should be.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18I would argue that has been the case for many decades.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21I have been asked to look at this and will be doing so,
0:36:21 > 0:36:26but this is a huge and very complex area and I am not about to make
0:36:26 > 0:36:28dispatch box commitments on it as a consequence.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31But there is a particular risk for women in prison,
0:36:31 > 0:36:3330% of women prisoners have had a previous admission
0:36:33 > 0:36:36for a psychiatric problems before they went into prison.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38In the last year, 11 women have killed themselves.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41My impression is that this is because the last Secretary
0:36:41 > 0:36:44of State did not focus on the recommendations of a report
0:36:44 > 0:36:46which would have ensured a better level of mental health
0:36:46 > 0:36:47for women in prison.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50What is this minister going to do on this report,
0:36:50 > 0:37:01and on women in prison?
0:37:01 > 0:37:02I thank her for her question.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05I have read that report, it is good.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07It was published in 2007 and is still relevant today,
0:37:07 > 0:37:09with some international coherence within another report
0:37:09 > 0:37:26about youth offenders.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29I will be looking at it and I am personally persuaded of some
0:37:29 > 0:37:30of the arguments within.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34But the idea that the former Secretary of State was in anyway not
0:37:34 > 0:37:36keeping a close eye on this, I have seen no about.
0:37:36 > 0:37:37Mr Speaker, Speaker...
0:37:37 > 0:37:41Those convicted of sexual offences are just one cohort of the range
0:37:41 > 0:37:47we manage daily.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50In doing so, we shall make sure estate capacity is realigned
0:37:50 > 0:37:52to meet the demand for places, including those convicted
0:37:52 > 0:37:53of sexual offences.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55I thank him for his reply.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58HMP in my constituency has seen a huge surge in prisoners
0:37:58 > 0:38:00for sexual offences, either on remand or
0:38:00 > 0:38:11serving a sentence.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13This puts massive pressure on staffing, space and resources.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15What specific advice can he give HMP Lewes?
0:38:15 > 0:38:19Those served with sexual offences at HMP Lewes and general are held
0:38:19 > 0:38:21in separate units providing suitable accommodation for their
0:38:21 > 0:38:38offending behaviour.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Perhaps I can reassure her that the prison received over ?100,000
0:38:41 > 0:38:43of a ?12 million Government fund for safety, planning
0:38:43 > 0:38:44to spend this on staff.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47There is a recruitment drive is going on at the moment.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50Staff are being vetted, a number of staff will
0:38:50 > 0:38:51be starting imminently.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Surely the Minister would understand that whether it is prisoners
0:38:53 > 0:38:57who have been tried and convicted for crimes of a sexual nature
0:38:57 > 0:38:59or prisoners with mental health problems or other problems,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02it is the quality of management prisons which must give us
0:39:02 > 0:39:13all great concern.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16When my select committee looked at education in prisons,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19we kept coming back that the culture of the prison comes from the top
0:39:19 > 0:39:22and is supported by well-trained and well-educated prison officers.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Mr Speaker, I agree entirely with the honourable gentleman
0:39:24 > 0:39:27that the quality of the leadership in the prison makes a huge
0:39:27 > 0:39:30difference to the regime, has staff are inspired, but also how
0:39:30 > 0:39:36deep can rehabilitate offenders.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40That is why those on this side of the house argue for prison
0:39:40 > 0:39:42reform, where we empower these governors, give them control
0:39:42 > 0:39:45of budgets and enable you to get local resources to meet
0:39:45 > 0:39:46the needs of offenders.
0:39:46 > 0:39:59Number 11.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Mr Speaker, with permission I would like to group questions
0:40:01 > 0:40:0211 and 16.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Most offenders arrive in prison with very low levels of educational
0:40:05 > 0:40:08attainment, very high levels of substance misuse and often very
0:40:08 > 0:40:10poor histories of employment.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15I believe modern prisons have a purpose, to keep the public
0:40:15 > 0:40:17safe and tackle each of these issues, so prisoners
0:40:17 > 0:40:20have the foundations to secure and hold down
0:40:20 > 0:40:21a job on release.
0:40:21 > 0:40:28I would like to thank my honourable friend, but I have recently visited
0:40:28 > 0:40:37prisoners from my constituency who told me that offenders do not
0:40:37 > 0:40:42have access straightaway on release to
0:40:42 > 0:40:44national insurance numbers, bank accounts or unemployment benefits.
0:40:44 > 0:40:50What steps are the Government taking to improve this?
0:40:50 > 0:40:54I agree with the honourable member that if this through the gate
0:40:54 > 0:40:57service, as we call them, are to work and stop reoffending,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59things like national insurance numbers and bank accounts need
0:40:59 > 0:41:00to be in place.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03There are a series of programmes in place, including an offender
0:41:03 > 0:41:06banking programme which opened about 5000 new bank accounts every
0:41:06 > 0:41:10year.
0:41:10 > 0:41:27The Minister is right, in fact that research shows that
0:41:27 > 0:41:29employment after custody greatly affects the amount of reoffending.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31What are they doing with the Department for Work
0:41:31 > 0:41:34and Pensions to ensure offenders find work after they leave prison
0:41:34 > 0:41:36and also stay in work?
0:41:36 > 0:41:39To tackle the challenge of getting prisoners work when they leave,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41the member has rightly identified it acquires a concerted effort
0:41:41 > 0:41:43across Government and across the community.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Every prisoner has the opportunity to meet with a DWP work coach
0:41:46 > 0:41:50before their release and the role of the work coach is to guide
0:41:50 > 0:41:51them to employment.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53Work coaches can ensure a prisoner knows their national insurance
0:41:53 > 0:41:56number and the other services they need in order to make
0:41:56 > 0:41:57the appropriate transition.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00When many prisoners are already on short-term sentences for under
0:42:00 > 0:42:05nine months and are often in prison for short periods, could he give
0:42:05 > 0:42:08some advice as to how governors will be judged on placing those
0:42:08 > 0:42:14prisoners into employment when the challenges are difficult?
0:42:14 > 0:42:19I've met with a number of governors since I've been appointed to this
0:42:19 > 0:42:23job, and most governors will tell you what they want is to be
0:42:23 > 0:42:26empowered to match resources to the needs of prisoners
0:42:26 > 0:42:28in their prison, working with local employers and the entire community.
0:42:28 > 0:42:37That is what governors want.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40The other point is that this is not just the responsibility
0:42:40 > 0:42:59of governors, if we want prisoners to go out and be able to find work,
0:42:59 > 0:43:05then businesses have a role, companies play a role
0:43:05 > 0:43:08and we all have a role, because prisoners can leave them
0:43:08 > 0:43:11and have jobs and restart their lives for the better
0:43:11 > 0:43:12and we all benefit.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15More than 60% of young people in the justice system
0:43:15 > 0:43:18have a communications disability and more than one third of young
0:43:18 > 0:43:20offenders have speaking and listening skills at the level
0:43:20 > 0:43:22expected for an 11-year-old.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25With the skills being fundamental with the ability to hold down a job,
0:43:25 > 0:43:28will the Minister update the house of what assessment the Government
0:43:28 > 0:43:31makes of speech and language support need and how well that
0:43:31 > 0:43:32need is being met?
0:43:32 > 0:43:35The member is obviously right, lots of prisoners arrived with huge
0:43:35 > 0:43:37learning difficulties and a disadvantage and that is well
0:43:37 > 0:43:40documented, what we need is individual programmes tailored
0:43:40 > 0:43:43to the needs of the prisoner and the way to do that
0:43:43 > 0:43:46as the honourable member said, is to empower governors to work
0:43:46 > 0:43:47with probation companies, rehabilitation organisations,
0:43:47 > 0:43:51to deliver these programmes.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55He said to the minister, I raise a report on this matter
0:43:55 > 0:43:57myself in two dozen and it's got a copy
0:43:57 > 0:44:00of voice and sure you'll find on the internet.
0:44:00 > 0:44:01Or in the house library.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03I'm sure the honourable gentleman does.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05We are immensely grateful.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08Fewer than half of the people entering our prisons have basic
0:44:08 > 0:44:17standards of English and maths, this is an enormous problem
0:44:17 > 0:44:20because we know low levels of education can prevent people
0:44:20 > 0:44:22from securing jobs on release and leading law-abiding lives.
0:44:22 > 0:44:26The secretary of state is right in saying in order to get a job
0:44:26 > 0:44:31the need to have both literacy and numeracy are essential.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34Should we be putting more resources into educating prisoners on release
0:44:34 > 0:44:36to be able to get jobs?
0:44:36 > 0:44:37My honourable friend is right.
0:44:37 > 0:44:43The fact is too many people enter our prisons without those
0:44:43 > 0:44:46skills, but we need to use that time in prison to help those prisoners
0:44:46 > 0:44:51gain those basic skills so they succeed outside.
0:44:51 > 0:44:59What we started doing is measuring, testing prisoners as they enter
0:44:59 > 0:45:02prisons, what I'm looking to see is, we measure the progress made
0:45:02 > 0:45:05during their stay in prison so we can hold governors
0:45:05 > 0:45:06accountable for that.
0:45:06 > 0:45:08Could the Minister confirmed there will be no return
0:45:08 > 0:45:10to the policy on banning books for prisoners?
0:45:10 > 0:45:15I confirm that books are freely available in prison.
0:45:15 > 0:45:30I warmly welcome the Right Honourable friend to her position.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34I was delighted to see the new Secretary of State
0:45:34 > 0:45:44talk about the importance of art in prisons and I hope
0:45:44 > 0:45:59that my honourable friend will recognise how they can teach
0:45:59 > 0:46:02prisoners a range of skills and hope she will meet the Arts
0:46:02 > 0:46:13Alliance that the earnest opportunity to discuss what the arts
0:46:13 > 0:46:17can do in particularly in relation to literacy.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21Firstly can I say what a fantastic job my honourable friend has
0:46:21 > 0:46:24done in championing the arts in every part of our country
0:46:24 > 0:46:25and his legacy lives on.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27It will live on in our prisons.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30I'm sure he is overcome with emotion, what a happy day.
0:46:30 > 0:46:36What discussions will she have with the Justice Department
0:46:36 > 0:46:39into devolved legislators to insure that best practice is replicated
0:46:39 > 0:46:45in improving literacy across prisons in all of the UK?
0:46:45 > 0:46:48I'm looking forward to meeting my counterparts across the UK
0:46:48 > 0:46:50and discussing these critical issues because it is a challenge
0:46:50 > 0:46:51we all face.
0:46:51 > 0:46:52Extreme brevity is now required.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55The Government's reform programme is intended to deliver a simple
0:46:55 > 0:46:57modern justice system that is available for everyone.
0:46:57 > 0:47:02East Lancashire, including my constituency of Blackburn and up
0:47:02 > 0:47:12to five other constituencies has only one Legal Aid,
0:47:12 > 0:47:14so that makes listers frontier with housing,
0:47:14 > 0:47:16what the Minister do about this desert of legal advice?
0:47:16 > 0:47:19It is important they should be legal aid available
0:47:19 > 0:47:21and it is in housing cases.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24As it is, in the most important cases where people's life or liberty
0:47:24 > 0:47:27or home is at stake, it is also available in domestic
0:47:27 > 0:47:29violence cases and cases where children may be
0:47:29 > 0:47:30taken into care.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33I'm grateful to the honourable lady for highlighting this issue.
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Let's be clear that legal aid in housing cases is something
0:47:36 > 0:47:38that is available and there is a national helpline
0:47:38 > 0:47:40as well as the services of lawyers across the country.
0:47:50 > 0:47:51Topical questions, Mr Douglas Carswell.
0:47:51 > 0:47:57I'm proud to take on the role of Lord Chancellor
0:47:57 > 0:48:04and Justice Secretary, upholding the rule of law
0:48:04 > 0:48:13and our justice system.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16I'm determined to insure our prisons are of safety and reform,
0:48:16 > 0:48:20where offenders can get off drugs, improve education and get the work
0:48:20 > 0:48:20likely to reoffend.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25skills they need to their less likely to reoffend.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28I would like to pay tribute to our brave prison officers
0:48:28 > 0:48:29and probation staff.
0:48:29 > 0:48:33Over the next couple of months I will lay out my plans for prison
0:48:33 > 0:48:35reform and setting out plans to modernise the courts to ensure
0:48:35 > 0:48:38we continue to have a world leading justice system.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41Sir James Mumby was asked to undertake a review of the family
0:48:41 > 0:48:44Court in August 2014, can the Minister shed light
0:48:44 > 0:48:48on ending the secrecy that can lead it to injustice.
0:48:48 > 0:48:53I thank the honourable gentleman for his
0:48:53 > 0:48:55question, I am due to meet James Mumby
0:48:55 > 0:48:57next week to discuss this issue.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00There's been some progress in bringing the family Court
0:49:00 > 0:49:05but there is a balance to be struck behind highly sensitive issues
0:49:05 > 0:49:07and opening it up fully, I will get more detail.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10Will my honourable friend commit to using all the powers
0:49:10 > 0:49:13at her disposal to protect British military personnel and veterans
0:49:13 > 0:49:16who have served our country bravely and with great honour
0:49:16 > 0:49:18from the spurious and outrageous legal claims like those
0:49:18 > 0:49:20pursued by people such as public interest lawyers?
0:49:20 > 0:49:24I am delighted to tell my honourable friend that this summer the legal
0:49:24 > 0:49:27aid agency pulls the plug on its contract with public interest
0:49:27 > 0:49:29lawyers, it will no longer be adamant chasing our
0:49:29 > 0:49:30brave service personnel.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33Legal aid should support vulnerable people in our society,
0:49:33 > 0:49:36not used to pursue spurious cases against our Armed Forces who do
0:49:36 > 0:49:37so much to serve our country.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40Can I join colleagues in welcoming the new Justice Secretary
0:49:40 > 0:49:47and her team to their new roles.
0:49:47 > 0:49:59The Government has created the toxic conditions for the record levels
0:49:59 > 0:50:11of violence, drug crimes and death across the prisons
0:50:11 > 0:50:15by reducing the number of prison officers by one third yet the former
0:50:15 > 0:50:19prison minister spent much of his time at the dispatch box this
0:50:19 > 0:50:21year telling me privately about his department was not
0:50:21 > 0:50:22successful recruitment drive.
0:50:22 > 0:50:25He did Justice Secretary did not have the figures earlier answering
0:50:25 > 0:50:28a question from my friend, so I will help out.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31Can she explained why we have 421 fewer full-time equivalent front
0:50:31 > 0:50:33line prison officers working in our public prisons
0:50:33 > 0:50:34than we did one year ago?
0:50:34 > 0:50:38I fully acknowledge that we do have issues with violence and safety
0:50:38 > 0:50:41in our prison, the levels are unacceptable and I am determined
0:50:41 > 0:50:44to deal with issues like this and I will lay out my plans shortly.
0:50:44 > 0:50:46Since the Government has no provision privatisation,
0:50:46 > 0:50:49concerns have repeatedly been raised about the quality of presentence
0:50:49 > 0:50:53reports for the court as a result of arbitrary targets set.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56The probation inspectors have described this month as a persistent
0:50:56 > 0:50:58problem leading to inappropriate sentences being handed down.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00Vital safeguarding checks such as domestic violence checks
0:51:00 > 0:51:03with pulleys and child protection checked with children's services
0:51:03 > 0:51:05are not taking place prior to sentencing.
0:51:05 > 0:51:10Will the Justice Secretary commit to an urgent review
0:51:10 > 0:51:17so the public, probation professionals and sentences can
0:51:17 > 0:51:23have confidence when convicted criminals are sensed those deciding
0:51:23 > 0:51:25of all the necessary evidence available?
0:51:25 > 0:51:27Probation services do vital work at the minister responsible
0:51:27 > 0:51:30for prisons and probation is looking very close at this issue.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33I would point out that those on shorter sentences get much more
0:51:33 > 0:51:35support thanks to our new probation contracts.
0:51:35 > 0:51:36Questions must be brief.
0:51:36 > 0:51:42There is a lot to get to and not much time.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45I would never excuse criminal behaviour, but some former prisoners
0:51:45 > 0:51:48have been denied opportunities in life many of us take for granted,
0:51:48 > 0:51:51what is the department and other Government departments doing
0:51:51 > 0:51:59to ensure the life chances agenda extends the prisons?
0:51:59 > 0:52:01I thank my honourable friend for that question, prisons
0:52:01 > 0:52:06are places where some of the problems in society
0:52:06 > 0:52:08are magnified.
0:52:08 > 0:52:15As the Prime Minister said, if we're going have a society
0:52:15 > 0:52:24and country that works for everyone, prison reform is part
0:52:24 > 0:52:25including literacy, training, work in prisons
0:52:25 > 0:52:31and unemployment opportunities when people are released.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34The Secretary of State will know that Charlie Taylor was asked
0:52:34 > 0:52:37to carry out a review of the youth justice system last year and enter
0:52:37 > 0:52:40it does make an interim report was published in February
0:52:40 > 0:52:50and we were promised the final one in July, we don't have it,
0:52:50 > 0:52:54can the Secretary of State tell us when and
0:52:54 > 0:52:56where we will have an explanation?
0:52:56 > 0:52:58I thank the honourable lady for this question,
0:52:58 > 0:53:01it's an incredibly important issue, but the youth justice Minster
0:53:01 > 0:53:04and I have ever met Charlie Taylor and we will be publishing our
0:53:04 > 0:53:05response this autumn.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08Does the Department intends to promote English law,
0:53:08 > 0:53:11the rule of law and our legal sector around the world, particularly to
0:53:11 > 0:53:14take advantages of the opportunities that may arise from Brexit?
0:53:14 > 0:53:17English law had a huge impact spreading the rule of Law around
0:53:17 > 0:53:21the world, it is the law of choice in over one quarter of jurisdictions
0:53:21 > 0:53:23and Brexit gives us even more opportunities to promote this.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27I will champion our ?25 billion legal services industry as a key
0:53:27 > 0:53:28part of post-Brexit global Britain.
0:53:28 > 0:53:32The selected media has expressed concern that judges are reporting
0:53:32 > 0:53:37they hear no money claims at all, claims brought by workers
0:53:37 > 0:53:43in low-paid sectors and which often succeeded, when will the Government
0:53:43 > 0:53:46publish the review of the impact of implement tribunal fees
0:53:46 > 0:53:54which is now six months overdue and had to restore justice
0:53:54 > 0:53:56for low-paid workers?
0:53:56 > 0:54:00Can I start by welcoming the report on court and tribunal fees,
0:54:00 > 0:54:02we intend to respond and we will also publish the review
0:54:02 > 0:54:05of changes to employment tribunal fees in due course.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08This is an important area and we will do that.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11I would like to ask the Secretary of State about the treatment
0:54:11 > 0:54:14of women giving birth in prisons and those with young children.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17And whether she will do more to ensure that children have
0:54:17 > 0:54:23access to their mothers and where appropriate
0:54:23 > 0:54:28their fathers, and can be as near to them as possible?
0:54:28 > 0:54:34I thank the honourable lady for the question.
0:54:34 > 0:54:43100 babies resided in mother and baby units in prison in 2015,
0:54:43 > 0:54:46prisons do an excellent job making sure these environments are built
0:54:46 > 0:54:49as is possible and babies can spend time away from the prisoners
0:54:49 > 0:54:52nominated carers but knowing the importance of early years
0:54:52 > 0:54:54is essential we consider alternative ways of dealing with female
0:54:54 > 0:54:56offenders including those with young children and babies
0:54:56 > 0:54:57and care responsibilities.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00The Secretary of State alleged earlier to the closure and imminent
0:55:00 > 0:55:02sale of Holloway prison and made me aware
0:55:02 > 0:55:06of the wish to cite a women's sector on the site, discussions are taking
0:55:06 > 0:55:09place with the Mayor of London but I wonder if the Secretary
0:55:09 > 0:55:12of State could confirm that she and the Government
0:55:12 > 0:55:15will play its part in ensuring an outcome that secures services
0:55:15 > 0:55:16for women on that site.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19I thank the honourable lady for a question and I will be
0:55:19 > 0:55:31interested in looking more at the details on that proposal.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34Following the closure of the courthouse in my
0:55:34 > 0:55:46constituency, the previous minister decided that it should go
0:55:46 > 0:55:52to Stockport and Chesterfield as was originally intended.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55A sign has appeared on the district quarries that McCourt has seen
0:55:55 > 0:55:57the work when the Chesterfield, will my honourable friend
0:55:57 > 0:56:00investigators and injure the decision by the ministers
0:56:00 > 0:56:02admitted, not the one by the officials in the original
0:56:02 > 0:56:03flawed consultation?
0:56:03 > 0:56:06I am grateful to my honourable friend for having raised this issue,
0:56:06 > 0:56:10he will be pleased to note that I have had the notice taken down.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12But the response to the consultation stated
0:56:12 > 0:56:14that the work would go to Stockport and Chesterfield,
0:56:14 > 0:56:16that is what is happening.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19Further to a previous question, I have many constituents who cannot
0:56:19 > 0:56:21get access to employment tribunals because the fees have proved
0:56:21 > 0:56:24prohibitive that were introduced in the last parliament.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Can the minister promised the house today that he will make a statement
0:56:27 > 0:56:30to the House on the impact of those fees?
0:56:30 > 0:56:32As he will have heard, we recognise that we need
0:56:32 > 0:56:38to produce our review, which we will publish,
0:56:38 > 0:56:40and also to respond to the Justice committee's report.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43And, of course, their documents, which will be available
0:56:43 > 0:56:44in the vote office.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47That will happen in due course, we are committed to that.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49And effective court administration is very different from retaining
0:56:49 > 0:56:51costly court buildings.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55But whether the closures are going hand-in-hand
0:56:55 > 0:57:09with investment and better use of technology and efficiencies,
0:57:09 > 0:57:11that includes in surrounding courts, not least in Bury, Mr Speaker.
0:57:11 > 0:57:16I was not psychic, but I realised what the honourable gentleman
0:57:16 > 0:57:19earlier was driving at and I am glad he was persistent.
0:57:19 > 0:57:19Persistence pays.
0:57:19 > 0:57:20Minister?
0:57:20 > 0:57:23My honourable friend is right, we need a programme
0:57:23 > 0:57:25of transformation that maintains the very high quality
0:57:25 > 0:57:26of our legal system.
0:57:26 > 0:57:30I don't think many in this house would disagree that it is one
0:57:30 > 0:57:32of the best in the world.
0:57:32 > 0:57:35But we want it to be the most modern as well.
0:57:35 > 0:57:39We are investing ?1 billion, we have saved a shard load of paper,
0:57:39 > 0:57:45as I mentioned earlier, and we will do a lot more of this.
0:57:45 > 0:57:48Our courts are benefiting from the digital revolution that
0:57:48 > 0:57:51every other part of society is benefiting from already.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54My constituent's 17-year-old son was murdered last year.
0:57:54 > 0:58:05Will the Minister meet with me and the mother to discuss
0:58:05 > 0:58:09the repeated failings in the justice system that mean that his killer
0:58:09 > 0:58:10is still walking the streets?
0:58:10 > 0:58:13I would be very happy to meet the honourable lady
0:58:13 > 0:58:16and her constituents, I am sorry to hear about the case.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19Colin Pitchfork was convicted of raping and murdering two young
0:58:19 > 0:58:21girls in the 1980s.
0:58:21 > 0:58:24Will the Minister please assure me and the public of their safety,
0:58:24 > 0:58:32given that Mr Pitchfork is being moved to an open prison?
0:58:32 > 0:58:35The honourable member will be aware that transferring prisoners
0:58:35 > 0:58:38from from one prison to another is done on a careful
0:58:38 > 0:58:45assessment of the risks.
0:58:45 > 0:58:49I am sure that would have taken place, but I am happy to discuss
0:58:49 > 0:58:51in detail if he wants to do so.
0:58:51 > 0:58:55Does the Secretary of State accept that the Human Rights Act
0:58:55 > 0:59:00is an indispensable part of the Good Friday Agreement,
0:59:00 > 0:59:02and whatever the plans for elsewhere, the Government
0:59:02 > 0:59:05is obligated to the retention of the Human Rights Act
0:59:05 > 0:59:09in Northern Ireland as a co-guarantor of
0:59:09 > 0:59:14the Good Agreement?
0:59:14 > 0:59:18The UK has led the world in human rights, from Magna Carta
0:59:18 > 0:59:20to habeas corpus.
0:59:20 > 0:59:24We are committed to bringing forward a British Bill of Rights to further
0:59:24 > 0:59:27build on these ancient protections.
0:59:27 > 0:59:32The Prime Minister has already met Nicola Sturgeon to make sure
0:59:32 > 0:59:37that the UK works together...
0:59:37 > 0:59:38And intensity meets...
0:59:38 > 0:59:42We intend to meet...
0:59:42 > 0:59:45We intend to meet, as the Secretary of State said, all those
0:59:45 > 0:59:54across the United Kingdom with concerns about it.
0:59:58 > 1:00:00You're under arrest.
1:00:00 > 1:00:02You're going to prison.
1:00:02 > 1:00:04In what sense are you free?