The Deputy Prime Minister has today set out the most sweeping modernisation of the criminal courts in a generation as the Government responds to Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
- Labour announces court modernisation reforms that will put victims in Portsmouth at the heart of the justice system
- Deputy Prime Minister has warned of a “courts emergency” as backlog could reach 100,000 by 2028
With the Crown Court backlog approaching 80,000 cases and projected to reach 100,000 without urgent action, the Deputy Prime Minister has warned of a “courts emergency” that is leaving victims waiting years for their day in court.
The Deputy Prime Minister announced reforms in Parliament today that will bring the system back from the brink of total collapse and regain the trust of both victims and the public.
To better support victims the Government will invest £550 million over the next three years into specialist services to offer practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses, such as counselling and advice attending court.
This multi-year package – the largest ever provided – means charities and service providers will have the financial certainty they need to plan for the future, keep pace with rising costs, and protect capacity to continue delivering essential support.
MP for Portsmouth North, Amanda Martin, said: “From conversations with so many families across Portsmouth, I have felt the pain that is caused when a trial is delayed. I have seen first-hand the anguish created by justice that seems out of reach.
“For too long victims in Portsmouth have been paying the price for years of underinvestment and a courts backlog allowed to spiral by the previous government.
“These reforms will put victims first. This is Labour’s Plan for Change in action.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, David Lammy, said: “Today I am calling time on the courts emergency that has left victims of the most serious crimes waiting years for justice and pushed the justice system to the brink of collapse.
“For many victims, justice delayed is often justice denied. Some give up on the process, while others have no confidence justice will be served if they report a crime, and perpetrators never held to account.
“The system we inherited has led to a Crown Court backlog due to hit 100,000 outstanding cases by 2028. Behind each of those cases is a victim who has been forced to put their life on hold while they wait desperately for justice.
“This simply cannot go on – we must be bold. I will set out a fast and fair justice plan that gives victims and survivors the swift justice they deserve.”
“Today’s response will form part of the Government’s commitment to safer streets by reducing the court backlog, speeding up hearings for victims, and rebuilding public confidence in the criminal justice system.”
Today’s response will form part of the Government’s commitment to safer streets by reducing the court backlog, speeding up hearings for victims, and rebuilding public confidence in the criminal justice system.
