Labour

We fear these proposals may result in the cutting of corners within our justice system - Khan

Sadiq Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, commenting on today's publication of the Ministry of Justice White Paper on swifter justice, said:

 “The public, victims, even defendants themselves are right to expect that those accused of crimes are dealt with quickly and efficiently. But while more evening and weekend sittings, and more justice handed down at the community level, sounds practical, it won't come cheaply. I hope the Government are going to explain exactly how this is going to be funded.

“But also it's really puzzling to be told by this Government that we need to be closer to the community when dealing with cases when they've presided over the biggest closure of our courts in recent times. One third of local courts have been shut, reducing the capacity and flexibility of our justice system and increasing the distances people must travel to their nearest court.

“We fear these proposals may result in the cutting of corners within our justice system, increasing the risk of miscarriages of justice, which will further erode the public's confidence."