Sarah Sackman KC MP

Watch @sarahsackman and Attorney General Doug Downey of Ontario discuss how judge-alone trial reforms in the Courts and Tribunal Bill could support timely justice for victims 👇

Watch Claire Waxman, the Victims' Commissioner, outline the emotional impact of court delays on victims of crime and why timely justice is so important 👇

My statement on the despicable, cowardly, antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green overnight.

Labour is calling on Kemi Badenoch to sack her Shadow Justice Secretary over his appalling online remarks about Muslims. @annaturley has written to the Tory leader👇

NEW: Jess Phillips reveals she's a victim of the courts backlog with a man accused of breaching a restraining order against her not due in crown court until 2028. “It’s OK for me. I’ve got extra security, I’ve got other safeguards. But imagine that was a breach of an order against a violent ex-husband, and it’s going to be heard in more than two years’ time. Are you joking? That’s absolutely mental.” Story by @LexyTopping theguardian.com/society/2026/m…

A huge day for victims today. Was proud to sign this letter to the Deputy Prime Minister along with some of the incredible women on our benches. A much needed step if we are to deliver on our promise to halve violence against women & girls. 💪💖💪

Today’s second reading of the Courts Bill is a vital step toward faster, fairer justice, cutting delays, supporting victims and restoring confidence.

Victims waiting months, even years, for their day in court. Survivors waiting for closure. Defendants losing jobs, homes and security. This isn’t fair and it isn’t justice.

‘The government’s approach to modelling of the impact of the [courts] reforms is sound.’ Delighted to see from the Institute for Government (IfG) after reviewing our courts reform package 👇 Check out our modelling here ➡️ modernising.justice.gov.uk

"It's really extreme keeping victims in this process and in limbo for so many years." Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman explains why she supports the government's plans to fix the court backlog by limiting jury trials for certain crimes.

Victims' voices and experiences must be central to any debate on the Courts and Tribunals Bill. Court delays are causing real harm. Without action, more victims will withdraw and more cases collapse, putting public safety at risk. Read my open letter: victimscommissioner.org.uk/document/open-…

Want to understand our plans to reform the criminal justice system? I spoke to Rachel Cunliffe @NewStatesman about what our Courts Bill actually means and why it matters. Listen at the link below ⬇️ open.spotify.com/episode/2wdHfT…

, waiting years for their day in court, who will be watching on. Let us, as parliamentarians, have a full and frank debate but one that treats victims and their experiences with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Next week the Courts and Tribunals Bill will have its second reading. I look forward to engaging in debate on the future of our justice system. There will be the usual time for full parliamentary scrutiny. Throughout the debate I hope that everyone has, in their mind, victims

Victims are forced to wait years for their day in court -a wait that only prolongs and compounds their trauma. A trial date listed in 2030 isn't just a delay; it is a fundamental failure of our justice system. I joined @BBCBreakfast to discuss the human cost of this crisis.

The state must ensure a fair trial. At the moment, justice delayed is justice denied. That’s why we are introducing a bold transformation of our justice system. Great to speak to @TheNewsAgents for the first time yesterday - listen to the full interview out now.

"Even with maximum investment there's no getting away from the need for structural reform." Minister Sarah Sackman explains the government's reforms to the court system in England and Wales.

Farage had an opportunity to call this out. He chose not to. His followers see this, it means this afternoon I’m receiving the worst stuff to date. His party put a target on my back, then say they care about violence against women. Actions speak louder than words.

It is the first job of government to have a justice system that works. That’s why we are proposing pragmatic, modest and principled changes. Preserving jury trials for the most serious cases and making sure we get swifter justice for victims 💪

JUST ANNOUNCED: This Labour government will bring our criminal justice system into the 21st century. - Unlimited Crown Court sitting days - the highest level ever funded under any government in the history of our country. - Magistrates' Courts funded to hear as many cases as the system can deliver. - New AI supported courts assistant (J-AI) and National Listing Framework to limit unnecessary delays for victims. - More 'Blitz' courts surge to tackle backlog of assault against emergency workers. - Audio recording in all Magistrates' Courts, putting decisions on the record. - Victims able to request a free copy of sentencing remarks, without needing to attend court. - A new Judge-only Bench Division in the Crown Court - with cases likely to receive sentences of up to three years heard by a judge, while the most serious offences such as rape and murder remain before a jury. Around three-quarters of Crown Court trials will still be heard by a jury. - £12m extra in 2026/27 to expand Al and speed up processes. - More video hearings than ever before. -Prisoner Escort & Custody Service vehicles allowed to use bus lanes to fast-track prisoners to court. Only by pulling all three levers - investment, modernisation and efficiency - will we clear the backlog and restore swift and fair justice for victims.