Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the justice system as the Coronavirus outbreak continues.

I welcome the collaborative approach taken by Public Health England (PHE) and Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). This is essential to ensure the implementation of measures to keep prisoners and prison staff safe, protect the NHS and enable the continued operation of the prison estate. 

Early data emerging indicates that explosive outbreaks of Coronavirus are not being seen across the prison estate and PHE modelling suggests that the measures introduced are demonstrating that jails are successfully limiting deaths and the transmission of the virus within the estate.

I understand that this has been driven by a combination of increased social distancing, reduced transfers of prisoners between prisons and acting within individual prisons to reduce infection. This has reduced the Reproduction Number to 1 or below. However, until a vaccine or effective treatment has been found, the risk of large outbreaks remains. Ministers will of course continue to review and closely monitor the prison estate. 

I understand many constituents have concerns regarding court cases as the outbreak continues. Courts provide a vital public service and justice must be delivered wherever possible. I welcome the fact that Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service have increased the capacity for telephone and video hearings to allow for remote hearings where appropriate.

The decision to hold a hearing by telephone or video is for the judge, panel or magistrate, taking into account the needs of the parties, including their ability to access and use the right technology.

Thank you again for taking the time to get in touch with me.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP