Chamber debate on court closures

This debate was opened by Helen Hayes, Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood.

Text of the motion:

"That this House acknowledges the need for some underused courts and tribunals to close; notes the detrimental effect that too many court closures will have on access to justice for vulnerable families and individuals particularly in rural areas where public transport is less reliable; further notes with concern the effect these closures will have on the experienced and dedicated staff working in the 86 courts and tribunals; and calls on the Government to acknowledge the concerns of staff, magistrates and third sector organisations who highlighted numerous flaws in the consultation document, to think again on some of these closures and acknowledge the importance of access to local justice."

Watch the Debate and read the transcript

• Watch Parliament TV: Chamber debate on court closures
• Read Commons Hansard: Debate on Court Closures

Backbench Business Committee

The Backbench Business Committee meets weekly on Tuesdays to consider requests for debates from any backbench Members of Parliament on any subject.

The Committee then has to decide how to allocate the limited Parliamentary time it has at its disposal. The Committee's meetings are always conducted in public and can be watched on Parliament TV.

Further Information

Commons Library

• Court closures - This House of Commons briefing paper analyses court and tribunal closures in England and Wales.
• About Parliament: Select Committees
• How the Backbench Business Committee works
• Follow updates from the Committee on Twitter

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