Local MP Robert Largan spoke in Parliament on behalf of High Peak residents who are waiting for justice to be done. In an exchange during oral questions with the Attorney-General, Suella Braverman MP, Robert warned of the dangers of allowing a backlog of court cases to accrue.

The Coronavirus pandemic has created difficulties for many essential public services, including the criminal justice system, as they adapt to social distancing measures and remote working. However, there are concerns that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will not be able to prevent the build-up of cases.

Robert asked the Attorney-General:

“What steps are the Government, along with the CPS, taking to ensure that this current crisis does not leave us with an enormous backlog of court cases that could lead to huge costs and delay justice for a long time to come?

Suella Braverman MP, the Attorney-General, responded:

“My hon. Friend raises an important point. The CPS and others have been working at pace to ensure that justice continues to be served. The Coronavirus Act 2020 enables the use of video and digital technology to facilitate court hearings during this crisis. The CPS is working with the judiciary to manage the listing of cases, so that cases that can be dealt with by way of a guilty plea or by other disposal are prioritised, which will go some way towards reducing the backlog in the system.”

Robert Largan MP commented:

“Everyone is making sacrifices during the national emergency. Many essential workers in the criminal justice system have readily adapted and are still doing their jobs under very difficult circumstances. I applaud them for their hard work.

“However, the Government and the Crown Prosecution Service have a responsibility to ensure that the courts do not allow an unmanageable backlog to accumulate. Justice must still be done—and be seen to be done—in a timely manner, for the sake of victims and wider society. Justice delayed is justice denied.”