Courts and Tribunals Bill — Amendment Paper: Notices of Amendments as at 23 April 2026

Committee StageThursday 23 April 2026
Courts and Tribunals Bill
(Amendment Paper)
This document lists all amendments tabled to the Courts and Tribunals Bill. Any withdrawn amendments
are listed at the end of the document. The amendments are arranged in the order in which it is expected
they will be decided.
This document should be read alongside the Chair’s provisional Selection and Grouping, which sets out
the order in which the amendments will be debated.
_7 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
Yasmin Qureshi
Karl Turner
Cat Eccles
. Page 17, line 13, leave out Clause 7
_63 Mr Adnan Hussain
. Schedule 2, page 38, line 33, leave out from “only if” to the end of line 35 and insert ”the
Crown Court considers that—
“(a) the appeal has a realistic prospect of success, or
(b) there is another compelling reason for the appeal to be heard.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would broaden the test for granting permission to appeal from magistrates’ courts,
so that appeals may proceed where they have a realistic prospect of success or where there is another
compelling reason for the appeal to be heard.
_64 Rachael Maskell
John McDonnell
Yasmin Qureshi

. Schedule 2, page 38, line 33, after “appeal” insert “against sentence”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential upon Amendment 66.
_65 Rachael Maskell
John McDonnell
Yasmin Qureshi
. Schedule 2, page 39, line 1, after “(3)” insert “and (5)”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential upon Amendment 66.
_66 Rachael Maskell
John McDonnell
Yasmin Qureshi
. Schedule 2, page 39, line 10, at end insert—
“(5) There is a right to renew an application for permission to appeal orally.
(6) Grounds for appeal may raise issues of procedure and fact arising in the trial
as well as law.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment ensures a right to appeal orally, and provides that grounds for appeal include
procedure and fact, as well as points of law.
_54 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Schedule 2, page 39, line 16, leave out from “if” to end of line 18 and insert “the defendant
has made one.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would require the Crown Court to allow an appeal if the defendant makes one.
_55 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Schedule 2, page 42, line 15, leave out “magistrates’ court” and insert “jury in the Crown
Court”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would allow the Crown Court to order a retrial by jury in the event that it allows
an appeal against a conviction or sentence in the magistrates court.
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 2

_56 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Schedule 2, page 47, line 13, leave out “magistrates’ court” and insert “jury in the Crown
Court”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would allow the Crown Court to order a retrial by jury in the event that it allows
an appeal against a conviction or sentence in the magistrates court.
_57 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Schedule 2, page 49, line 36, leave out from “Court” to end of line 39 and insert “must allow
an appeal under section 108 if the defendant makes one.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would remove the provision limiting appeals to specific grounds and instead ensure
the Crown Court allows appeals if one is made.
_17 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
. Schedule 2, page 52, line 5, leave out “on payment of a fee” and insert “to victims of criminal
offence without a fee within 14 days of a request”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would make magistrates’ court transcripts free for victims and requires that such
transcripts are provided within 14 days of a request.
_9 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
Yasmin Qureshi
Karl Turner
. Page 38, line 9, leave out Schedule 2
_67 Grahame Morris
Yasmin Qureshi
. Clause 8, page 19, line 13, after “charge” insert “including any behaviour or communication
preceding the charge that is connected to the event itself”
3 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

_68 Grahame Morris
Yasmin Qureshi
. Clause 9, page 20, line 12, leave out “substantial probative value” and insert “relevance”
_69 Grahame Morris
Yasmin Qureshi
. Clause 9, page 20, line 32, at end insert—
“(8) Where a compensation claim has been made, or an attempt to make a claim
has been made, disclosure of the details of that claim is relevant
notwithstanding that an application for leave has not been made.”
_70 Grahame Morris
Yasmin Qureshi
. Clause 13, page 27, line 37, at end insert—
“(7) Disclosure of the details of any connection between the independent supporter
and the complainant is required prior to seeking the court’s agreement of the
independent supporter.”
_20 Jess Brown-Fuller
. Clause 13, page 28, line 14, at end insert—
“(4) In Part 5 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Protection for victims, witnesses, etc
in legal proceedings), after section 67 insert the following section—
“67A Automatic right of support in family proceedings
(1) This section applies in any family proceedings in England and Wales
where a party to proceedings is, or alleges to be, the victim or of
domestic abuse or a sexual offence.
(2) A party to whom this section applies is entitled to be accompanied in
court by—
(a) an independent domestic violence adviser (“IDVA”);
(b) an independent sexual violence adviser (“ISVA”); or
(c) both an IDVA and an ISVA.
(3) The court may only exclude an IDVA or ISVA where it is satisfied that
the presence of that person would be prejudicial to the interests of
justice.
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 4

(4) Where the court makes an exclusion under subsection (3), it must provide
parties to the proceedings with its reasons for making the exclusion.””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would place the entitlement of the victim to be accompanied by an IDVA or IVSA
on a statutory footing. This amendment would allow that IDVAs or ISVAs are excluded from
proceedings when it is against the interest of justice.
_14 Jess Brown-Fuller
. Clause 17, page 30, line 10, at end insert—
“(3) The Lord Chancellor must, within six months of the commencement of this
section, lay before both Houses of Parliament a report on the resources required
to give full effect to the repeal of subsection 2A in Section 1 of the Children
Act 1989.—
“(1) The report under subsection (3) must include—
(a) an assessment of the level of legal aid provision necessary to
ensure that parties in child arrangements proceedings are able
to obtain timely and effective—
(i) advice, and
(ii) representation
particularly where allegations of domestic abuse or safeguarding
concerns are raised;
(b) an evaluation of the capacity of the family courts, including—
(i) the number of judges,
(ii) court staff, and
(iii) available hearing time,
to undertake robust risk assessment and fact-finding processes
in line with Practice Direction 12J;
(c) plans to address any shortfalls in judicial training, including—
(i) training relating to coercive control,
(ii) domestic abuse dynamics, and
(iii) child safeguarding.
(d) proposals for investment in the family court estate and
technology to ensure—
(i) the repeal operates effectively, and
(ii) decisions are consistently grounded in the welfare and
safety of the child.””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment requires the Government to set out how the family courts and legal aid system will
be resourced to give full effect to the repeal of the presumption of parental involvement.
5 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

_Gov_72 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 68, line 4, after “may” insert “, subject to the following provisions of this
section,”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is intended to clarify that the Lord Chief Justice’s general power under section
7A(1) of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (inserted by the Bill) to delegate functions
relating to tribunals is qualified by subsequent subsections of that section.
_Gov_73 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 68, leave out line 5
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would remove redundancy in the drafting of new section 7A(1) of the Tribunals,
Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (inserted by the Bill).
_Gov_74 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 68, line 9, at end insert—
“(1A) A function of the Lord Chief Justice may not be delegated under
subsection (1) to a person who—
(a) is a judge, or other member, of the Upper Tribunal or First-tier
Tribunal only by virtue of the person being a relevant Scottish
office-holder or a relevant Northern Ireland office-holder, and
(b) is not a Chamber President, or a Deputy Chamber President, of a
chamber of the Upper Tribunal or of a chamber of the First-tier
Tribunal.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment, together with amendment 75, would prevent the Lord Chief Justice of England
and Wales delegating functions relating to tribunals to a person who is a judge of the Upper Tribunal
or First-Tier Tribunal only because the person holds a particular judicial office in Scotland or Northern
Ireland.
_Gov_75 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 69, line 6, at end insert—
“(8A) For the purposes of subsection (1A)—
(a) a person is a “relevant Scottish office-holder” if the person is—
(i) a judge of the Court of Session,
(ii) a sheriff in Scotland,
(iii) the President of Employment Tribunals (Scotland),
(iv) the Vice President of Employment Tribunals (Scotland), or
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 6

(v) a member of a panel of members of employment tribunals
(whether or not a panel of Employment Judges) established
for Scotland;
(b) a person is a “relevant Northern Ireland office-holder” if the
person is—
(i) a Lord Justice of Appeal in Northern Ireland,
(ii) a puisne judge of the High Court in Northern Ireland,
(iii) a county court judge in Northern Ireland,
(iv) a district judge in Northern Ireland,
(v) the Chief Social Security Commissioner, or any other Social
Security Commissioner, appointed under section 50(1) of
the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act
1992, or
(vi) a Social Security Commissioner appointed under section
50(2) of that Act (deputy Commissioners).”
Member's explanatory statement
See the explanatory statement to amendment 74.
_Gov_76 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 69, line 21, after “may” insert “, subject to the following provisions of this
section,”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would make a change to the drafting of new section 7B of the Tribunals, Courts
and Enforcement Act 2007 (further delegation of functions of the Lord Chief Justice) corresponding
to the change made by amendment 72 to the drafting of new section 7A of that Act.
_Gov_77 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 69, line 25, at end insert—
“(1A) A function of the Lord Chief Justice may not be further delegated under
subsection (1) to a person who—
(a) is a judge, or other member, of the Upper Tribunal or First-tier
Tribunal only by virtue of the person being a relevant Scottish
office-holder or a relevant Northern Ireland office-holder, and
(b) is not a Chamber President, or a Deputy Chamber President, of a
chamber of the Upper Tribunal or of a chamber of the First-tier
Tribunal.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would impose a limitation on the power to further delegate a function of the Lord
Chief Justice under new section 7B of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 corresponding
to the limitation imposed in relation to new section 7A of that Act by amendment 74.
7 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

_Gov_78 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 69, line 28, leave out from “to” to end of line and insert “a person appointed
as—
(a) Deputy Head of Tribunals Justice, or
(b) Chamber President of a chamber of the Upper Tribunal.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would enable functions of the Lord Chief Justice under paragraph 1(1) or 2(1) of
Schedule 2 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 that are delegated to a senior judge
to be further delegated to the Deputy Head of Tribunals Justice.
_Gov_79 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 70, line 2, at end insert—
““relevant Scottish office-holder” and “relevant Northern Ireland
office-holder” have the same meaning as in subsection (1A) of section
7A (see subsection (8A) of that section);”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on amendment 77.
_Gov_80 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 70, line 7, leave out “(1)(b),” and insert “(1)—
(a) in the words before paragraph (a), after “may” insert “, subject to the
following provisions of this section,”;
(b) in paragraph (b),”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would make a change to the drafting of section 8 of the Tribunals, Courts and
Enforcement Act 2007 (Senior President of Tribunals: power to delegate) corresponding to the
change made by amendment 72 to the drafting of new section 7A of that Act.
_Gov_81 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 70, line 8, at end insert—
“(2A) In subsection (1A)—
(a) for “paragraph 1(1) or 2(1) of Schedule 2” substitute “any of the
provisions listed in subsection (1B)”;
(b) for “a Chamber President of a chamber of the Upper Tribunal”
substitute “a person appointed as—
(a) Deputy Head of Tribunals Justice, or
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 8

(b) Chamber President of a chamber of the Upper
Tribunal”.
(2B) After subsection (1A) insert—
“(1B) The provisions are—
section 7(7);
section 7(8B) and (9);
paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 2;
paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 2;
paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 3;
paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 3;
paragraph 2 of Schedule 4;
paragraph 5(1) and (3) of Schedule 4;
paragraph 5(5) to (8) of Schedule 4;
paragraph 5A(3A) of Schedule 4.””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would insert provision amending section 8 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement
Act 2007 to enable the Senior President of Tribunals to delegate to the Deputy Head of Tribunals
Justice or an Upper Tribunal Chamber President certain functions to which subsection (1) of that
section does not currently apply.
_Gov_82 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 70, line 9, leave out sub-paragraph (3) and insert—
“(3) For subsection (2) substitute—
“(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to functions of the Senior President of
Tribunals under any of the following—
section 29B;
section 29D;
section 46;
paragraph 3 of Schedule 5;
paragraph 2 of Schedule A1 to the Employment Tribunals Act
1996.””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on amendment 81.
9 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

_Gov_83 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 70, line 21, at end insert—
“18A After section 8 insert—
“8A Delegation: supplementary
(1) Where a function is exercisable, in a particular case, by the Lord Chief
Justice and the Senior President of Tribunals, acting jointly—
(a) so far as the function is exercisable by the Lord Chief Justice,
it is to be treated for the purposes of section 7A as a relevant
tribunal function and may be delegated under that section,
and further delegated under section 7B, accordingly (including
to the Senior President of Tribunals);
(b) so far as the function is exercisable by the Senior President of
Tribunals—
(i) it is to be treated for the purposes of section 8 as a
function the Senior President of Tribunals has in that
capacity and may be delegated under section 8
accordingly, but
(ii) it may not be delegated under that section to the Lord
Chief Justice.
(2) Where a person (“the delegator”) has a power to delegate a function
under section 7A, 7B or 8—
(a) any requirement that the delegator may exercise the function
only with the concurrence of another person (“P”) does not
prevent the delegator from delegating the function to P, and
(b) if the delegator delegates the function to P, any such
requirement is to be disregarded so far as the function is
exercised by P.
(3) In this section “the Lord Chief Justice” means the Lord Chief Justice
of England and Wales.””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would insert provision intended to clarify the effect of delegation powers under
the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, inserted or amended by the Bill, in cases where the
function being delegated is exercisable jointly with, or with the concurrence of, the person to whom
it is delegated.
_Gov_84 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 75, line 6, leave out “senior judge” and insert “person who holds high
judicial office”
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 10

Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would enable functions of the Senior President of Tribunals to be exercised during
any vacancy or incapacity by a holder of high judicial office in Scotland or Northern Ireland (as well
as in England and Wales).
_Gov_85 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 75, leave out lines 12 and 13 and insert—
““high judicial office” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the Constitutional
Reform Act 2005 (see section 60(2)(a) of that Act);”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on amendment 84.
_Gov_86 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 88, line 9, at end insert—
“32A In Schedule 8 (tribunals and inquiries: consequential and other amendments),
in paragraph 41, omit sub-paragraphs (3) and (6) (which insert into the
Employment Tribunals Act 1996 provision repealed by this Act).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would repeal provisions of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 which
insert into the Employment Tribunals Act 1996 provision repealed by the Bill.
_Gov_87 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 92, line 38, at end insert—
“Agriculture Act 1947
43A In Schedule 9 to the Agriculture Act 1947 (constitution etc. of tribunals etc.),
in paragraph 15A (which provides for a member of the First-tier Tribunal to
act as a member of the Agricultural Land Tribunal)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (1), for “the Senior President of Tribunals” substitute
“the appropriate office-holder”;
(b) after sub-paragraph (1) insert—
“(1ZA) In sub-paragraph (1), “the appropriate office-holder”
means—
(a) in relation to a member of the First-tier Tribunal who
exercises functions wholly or mainly in Scotland or
Northern Ireland, the Senior President of Tribunals;
(b) in any other case, the Lord Chief Justice of England
and Wales.”
11 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

Lands Tribunal Act 1949
43B In section 1 of the Lands Tribunal Act 1949 (which makes provision including
provision about selecting a surveyor for the purposes of section 58 or 106
of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act 1845)—
(a) in subsection (6), for “the Senior President of Tribunals” substitute
“the appropriate office-holder”;
(b) after subsection (6) insert—
“(6ZA) In subsection (6) “the appropriate office-holder” means—
(a) in relation to the determination of compensation to
be paid in respect of land in England or Wales, the Lord
Chief Justice of England and Wales;
(b) in any other case, the Senior President of Tribunals.
(6ZB) Section 7A of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
(Lord Chief Justice: power to delegate) applies to any function
of the Lord Chief Justice under subsection (6) as it applies to
a relevant tribunal function within the meaning of that
section.
For provision enabling the delegation of any function of the
Senior President of Tribunals, see section 8 of that Act.”
Rent Act 1977
43C In Schedule 10 to the Rent Act 1977 (rent assessment committees), in
paragraph 5A (which provides for a member of the First-tier Tribunal to act
as a member of a committee in Wales)—
(a) the existing text becomes sub-paragraph (1);
(b) in that sub-paragraph, for “the Senior President of Tribunals”
substitute “the appropriate office-holder”;
(c) after that sub-paragraph insert—
“(2) In sub-paragraph (1), “the appropriate office-holder”
means—
(a) in relation to a member of the First-tier Tribunal who
exercises functions wholly or mainly in Scotland or
Northern Ireland, the Senior President of Tribunals;
(b) in any other case, the Lord Chief Justice of England
and Wales.””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would insert provision amending provisions of the Agriculture Act 1947, the Lands
Tribunal Act 1949 and the Rent Act 1977 so as to confer on the Lord Chief Justice of England and
Wales certain functions currently conferred on the Senior President of Tribunals.
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 12

_Gov_88 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 93, line 12, leave out paragraph 46 and insert—
“46 In section 9 (assistance for transaction of judicial business)—
(a) in subsection (1), in the Table (judges deployable to certain courts),
in column 1 of entry 4A (the Senior President of Tribunals), after
“Senior President of Tribunals” insert “, if not an ex-officio judge of
the Court of Appeal”;
(b) omit subsection (1ZA).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would enable a holder of the office of Senior President of Tribunals who is an
ex-officio judge of the Court of Appeal to act on request as a judge of the Crown Court (like all
other judges of the Court of Appeal).
_Gov_89 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 93, line 29, at end insert—
“Mental Health Act 1983
48A In Schedule 2 to the Mental Health Act 1983 (Mental Health Review Tribunal
for Wales), in paragraph 5 (which provides for certain members of the
First-tier Tribunal to act as members of the tribunal)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (1), for “the Senior President of Tribunals” substitute
“the appropriate office-holder”;
(b) after sub-paragraph (1) insert—
“(1ZA) In sub-paragraph (1), “the appropriate office-holder”
means—
(a) in relation to a member of the First-tier Tribunal who
exercises functions wholly or mainly in Scotland or
Northern Ireland, the Senior President of Tribunals;
(b) in any other case, the Lord Chief Justice of England
and Wales.”
Landlord and Tenant Act 1987
48B In section 33 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 (acquisition order where
landlord cannot be found)—
(a) in subsection (2)(a), for “the Senior President of Tribunals” substitute
“the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales”;
(b) after subsection (3) insert—
“(4) Section 7A of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
(Lord Chief Justice: power to delegate) applies to the function
of the Lord Chief Justice under subsection (2)(a) as it applies
to a relevant tribunal function within the meaning of that
section.”
13 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

Local Government Finance Act 1988
48C In Part 1 of Schedule 11 to the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (the
Valuation Tribunal for England), in paragraph A18A (power for member of
First-tier Tribunal to act as member of the Tribunal)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (2)(a), for “the Senior President of Tribunals”
substitute “the appropriate office-holder”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (9), after paragraph (a) insert—
“(aa) “the appropriate office-holder” means—
(i) in relation to an FTT member who exercises
functions wholly or mainly in Scotland or
Northern Ireland, the Senior President of
Tribunals, and
(ii) in any other case, the Lord Chief Justice of
England and Wales, and”.
Social Security Act 1998
48D Section 15A of the Social Security Act 1998 (functions of Senior President of
Tribunals) is amended as follows.
(1)
(2) For the heading substitute “Confidentiality in the First-tier Tribunal”.
(3) In subsection (1), for “The Senior President of Tribunals” substitute “The
appropriate office-holder”.
(4) After subsection (1) insert—
“(1A) In subsection (1), “the appropriate office-holder” means—
(a) in relation to the First-tier Tribunal in England and Wales, the
Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales;
(b) in relation to the First-tier Tribunal in Scotland or Northern
Ireland, the Senior President of Tribunals.””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would insert provision amending provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983, the
Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and the Social Security Act
1998 so as to confer on the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales certain functions currently
conferred on the Senior President of Tribunals.
_Gov_90 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 94, line 1, at end insert—
“49A The Crime and Courts Act 2013 is amended as follows.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on amendment 92.
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 14

_Gov_91 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 94, line 2, leave out “the Crime and Courts Act 2013, in”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on amendment 90.
_Gov_92 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 94, line 3, at end insert—
“50A In Schedule 13 (judicial appointments), omit the following provisions (which
insert into the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 provision repealed
by this Act)—
(a) paragraph 30(3);
(b) paragraph 43;
(c) paragraph 44(2);
(d) paragraph 45(2) and (4);
(e) paragraph 46(2) and (6);
(f) paragraph 47(4) to (6), (8), (9), (11) and (12).
50B In Schedule 14 (deployment of the judiciary), in paragraph 12, omit
sub-paragraph (2) (which inserts into the Employment Tribunals Act 1996
provision repealed by this Act).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would repeal provisions of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 which insert into the
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the Employment Tribunals Act 1996 provision
repealed by the Bill.
_Gov_93 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 94, line 3, at end insert—
“Wales Act 2017
50A Section 63 of the Wales Act 2017 (cross-deployment of tribunal members
and judges) is amended as follows.
(1)
(2) In subsection (1), for the words from “if” to the end substitute “—
(a) in England and Wales, if the Lord Chief Justice of England and
Wales asks the member to do so and the President of Welsh
Tribunals agrees to the request being made;
(b) in Scotland or Northern Ireland, if the Senior President of
Tribunals asks the member to do so and the President of Welsh
Tribunals agrees to the request being made.”
(3) In subsection (2), in the words after paragraph (b), for “the Senior President
of Tribunals” substitute “the appropriate office-holder”.
15 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(4) After subsection (2) insert—
“(2A) In subsection (2), “the appropriate office-holder” means—
(a) where the tribunal member exercises functions wholly or
mainly in Scotland or Northern Ireland, the Senior President
of Tribunals;
(b) in any other case, the Lord Chief Justice of England and
Wales.””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would insert provision amending provisions of the Wales Act 2017 so as to confer
on the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales certain functions currently conferred on the Senior
President of Tribunals.
_Gov_94 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 94, line 3, at end insert—
“Courts and Tribunals (Judiciary and Functions of Staff) Act 2018
50A In the Schedule to the Courts and Tribunals (Judiciary and Functions of Staff)
Act 2018 (authorised court and tribunal staff: legal advice and judicial
functions), omit paragraph 40 (which inserts into the Tribunals, Courts and
Enforcement Act 2007 provision repealed by this Act).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would repeal provision of the Courts and Tribunals (Judiciary and Functions of
Staff) Act 2018 which inserts into the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 provision repealed
by the Bill.
_Gov_95 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 95, line 4, at end insert—
“Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022
54 The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 is amended as follows.
55 Section 32 (judicial agreement to certain regulations) is amended as follows. (1)
(2) In subsection (1)(a)—
(a) omit the “or” at the end of sub-paragraph (i);
(b) at the end of sub-paragraph (ii) insert “, or
(iii) relevant tribunal proceedings in England and
Wales;”.
(3) In subsection (1)(b)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (i), after “First-tier Tribunal” insert “in Scotland or
Northern Ireland”;
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 16

(b) in sub-paragraph (ii), after “Upper Tribunal” insert “in Scotland or
Northern Ireland”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (iii), after “employment tribunals” insert “in
Scotland”;
(d) in sub-paragraph (iv), after “Employment Appeal Tribunal” insert “in
Scotland”.
(4) After subsection (2) insert—
“(3) In this section, “relevant tribunal proceedings” means proceedings
in—
(a) the First-tier Tribunal,
(b) the Upper Tribunal,
(c) employment tribunals, or
(d) the Employment Appeal Tribunal.”
56 Schedule 3 (practice directions for online proceedings) is amended as follows. (1)
(2) In Part 2 (proceedings in the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal), in
paragraph 7 (giving practice directions)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (1), for “The Senior President of Tribunals”
substitute “The Lord Chief Justice and the Senior President of
Tribunals, acting jointly,”;
(b) after sub-paragraph (1) insert—
“(1A) The Lord Chief Justice may give practice directions under
paragraph 5 in relation to proceedings in a Chamber of the
First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal whose business involves
only the application of the law of England and Wales.
(1B) The Senior President of Tribunals may give practice
directions under paragraph 5 in relation to proceedings in
a Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal whose
business involves only the application of the law of Scotland
or Northern Ireland.”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (2), for “The Senior President may not give practice
directions” substitute “Practice directions may not be given under
sub-paragraph (1), (1A) or (1B)”;
(d) in sub-paragraph (4)—
(i) omit the “and” at the end of paragraph (a);
(ii) after paragraph (a) insert—
“(aa) the Lord Chief Justice, if the business of the
Chamber to which the directions relate involves
the application of the law of England and
Wales, and”;
(iii) in paragraph (b), after “Tribunals” insert “, if the business of
the Chamber to which the directions relate involves the
application of the law of Scotland or Northern Ireland”;
(e) in sub-paragraph (6)—
17 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(i) for “the approval of the Senior President of Tribunals if”
substitute “any approval”;
(ii) for “sub-paragraph (4)(b)” insert “sub-paragraph (4)(aa) or
(b)”.
(3) In Part 3 (proceedings in employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal
Tribunal), in paragraph 11 (giving practice directions)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (1)—
(i) for “The Senior President of Tribunals” substitute “The Lord
Chief Justice and the Senior President of Tribunals, acting
jointly,”;
(ii) for “any proceedings” substitute “proceedings in the
Employment Appeal Tribunal”;
(b) after sub-paragraph (1) insert—
“(1A) The Lord Chief Justice may give practice directions under
paragraph 9 in relation to proceedings in employment
tribunals in England and Wales.
(1B) The Senior President of Tribunals may give practice
directions under paragraph 9 in relation to proceedings in
employment tribunals in Scotland.”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (2), for “The Senior President may not give practice
directions” substitute “Practice directions may not be given under
sub-paragraph (1), (1A) or (1B)”;
(d) in sub-paragraph (5), for the words from “of—” to the end substitute
“of the Lord Chancellor”;
(e) after sub-paragraph (5) insert—
“(5A) The President of the Employment Appeal Tribunal may not
give practice directions without the approval of—
(a) the Lord Chief Justice, and
(b) the Senior President of Tribunals.
(5B) The President of Employment Tribunals (England and Wales)
may not give practice directions without the approval of
the Lord Chief Justice.
(5C) The President of Employment Tribunals (Scotland) may not
give practice directions without the approval of the Senior
President of Tribunals.”;
(f) in sub-paragraph (6), for “sub-paragraph (5)(a)” substitute
“sub-paragraph (5)”;
(g) in sub-paragraph (7)—
(i) for “sub-paragraph (5)(a)” substitute “sub-paragraph (5)”;
(ii) for “the approval of the Senior President of Tribunals if”
substitute “any approval”;
(iii) for “sub-paragraph (5)(b)” substitute “sub-paragraph (5A),
(5B) or (5C)”.”
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 18

Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would insert provision amending provisions of the Judicial Review and Courts Act
2022 so as to confer on the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales certain functions currently
conferred on the Senior President of Tribunals.
_Gov_96 Sarah Sackman
. Schedule 3, page 95, line 4, at end insert—
“57 In Schedule 5 (employment tribunal procedure rules: further provision)—
(a) in paragraph 3, omit sub-paragraphs (3) and (6) (which insert into
the Employment Tribunals Act 1996 provision repealed by this Act);
(b) omit paragraph 28 (which inserts into the Tribunals, Courts and
Enforcement Act 2007 provision repealed by this Act).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would repeal provisions of the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 which insert
into the Employment Tribunals Act 1996 and the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 provision
repealed by the Bill.
_NC1 Kim Johnson
Ms Stella Creasy
John McDonnell
Yasmin Qureshi
Ian Lavery
Liam Byrne
Apsana Begum
Mary Kelly Foy
Jon Trickett
Andy McDonald
Tony Vaughan
Brian Leishman
Kate Osborne
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Emma Lewell
Siân Berry
Grahame Morris
Bell Ribeiro-Addy
Chris Hinchliff
Dr Simon Opher
Charlotte Nichols
. To move the following Clause—
“Reduction in sentence for a guilty plea
(1) The Sentencing Act 2020 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 73 (Reduction in sentence for guilty plea), after subsection (2) insert—
“(2ZA) The maximum level of reduction in sentence for a guilty plea that the
court can apply is two-fifths.
(2ZB) The reduction set out in subsection (2ZA) may not be limited to a guilty
plea at the first stage of proceedings.
(2ZC) A reduction of sentence under subsection (2ZA) is available to the
defendant prior to a retrial.””
19 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

_NC2 Charlotte Nichols
Ms Stella Creasy
Apsana Begum
Ian Byrne
Lee Barron
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Kim JohnsonClive LewisAbtisam Mohamed
John McDonnellChris HinchliffPaula Barker
Rachael MaskellBrian LeishmanEmma Lewell
Lorraine BeaversRichard BurgonBell Ribeiro-Addy
Mike ReaderSarah HallCat Eccles
Yasmin QureshiSarah RussellAlex Sobel
Kate OsborneMary Kelly FoyJess Brown-Fuller
Andy McDonaldJon TrickettClive Efford
Siân BerryAndrew GeorgeTerry Jermy
Hannah SpencerDr Ellie ChownsCarla Denyer
Dr Allison GardnerDr Simon OpherAdrian Ramsay
Ann DaviesBen LakeTessa Munt
Iqbal MohamedLiz Saville RobertsLlinos Medi
Jodie GoslingHelen HayesBen Maguire
Lizzi CollingeMonica Harding
. To move the following Clause—
“Specialists courts for sexual offences and domestic abuse cases
(1) The Lord Chancellor must by regulations establish specialist courts for cases
relating to sexual offences and domestic abuse.
(2) Any case heard in a court established under subsection (1) must be conducted
with a jury and specialist judge.
(3) Additional guidance or directions may be formulated by the judiciary in relation
to—
(a) the nature and dynamics of behaviour including—
(i) coercive control, and
(ii) honour-based abuse;
(b) best practice in hearing cases involving violence against women and
girls, including ensuring fair and trauma-informed proceedings.
(4) Regulations under this section must make provision for such courts to have
specialist facilities for alleged victims.
(5) The Lord Chancellor must take reasonable steps for any necessary resources
for judicial, administrative and legal support, including advisors, prosecution
and defence, to be made available to operate such courts.
(6) Any case heard by a court established under subsection (1) must be subject to
such considerations regarding—
(a) time limits for case preparation,
(b) fixed dates for trial, and
(c) third party material review and disclosure,
as the Lord Chancellor may by regulations specify.
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 20

(7) Regulations under this section must include provision for the prioritised listing
and progression of hearings and trials for such cases in such specialist courts,
including the prioritisation of cases where the defendant is on bail.
(8) Regulations in this section are subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would establish specialist courts for sexual offences and domestic abuse cases, with
those cases heard by a specialist judge and a jury. It makes further provision including for victim
support, and to prioritise cases where a defendant is bailed.
_NC3 Jess Brown-Fuller
Cat Eccles
Siân Berry
. To move the following Clause—
“Extended sitting hours for Crown Court Proceedings
(1) The Lord Chancellor may, by order, designate specific Crown Court locations
or individual court rooms as extended capacity courts.
(2) Proceedings in any court designated under subsection (1) must consist of—
(a) a morning session, commencing at 09:00 and concluding at 13:00; and
(b) an afternoon session, commencing at 14:00 and concluding at 18:00.
(3) Any court designated under subsection (1) will not have a limit on the number
of cases that can be heard on the same day.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would restructure the court sitting day to introduce a morning and afternoon session,
to allow two different cases to be heard in the same courtroom on a given day.
_NC4 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
. To move the following Clause—
“Review of the Feasibility of Two Court Sittings per day
(1) The Lord Chancellor must, within 12 months beginning on the day on which
this Act comes into force, lay before Parliament an independent report into
the feasibility of conducting two trials per day in designated court rooms (“the
Scheme”).
(2) The scheme would allow for proceedings in a Crown Court to consist of—
(a) a morning session, commencing at 09:00 and concluding at 13:00; and
(b) an afternoon session, commencing at 14:00 and concluding at 18:00.
(3) A report under subsection (1) must assess the impact of the scheme—
21 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(a) on the efficiency and timeliness of court proceedings;
(b) on the availability of judges, legal practitioners, and court staff;
(c) the potential impact on defendants, victims, and witnesses; and
(d) the cost and resource implications of the scheme.
(4) The Lord Chancellor must, within three months of the laying of the report
under subsection (1), publish a response.
(5) The response must include proposals for a pilot scheme based on the findings
of the report including the proposed scope and duration of any such pilot.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Lord Chancellor to commission and lay before Parliament an independent
report on the feasibility of introducing two court sittings per day in designated courtrooms, including
an assessment of its impact on efficiency, resources, and court users, and to set out the Government’s
intended next steps.
_NC5 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Targets for Backlog Reduction
(1) The Lord Chancellor must, within six months beginning on the day on which
this Act is passed, set and publish annual targets for the reduction of the Crown
Court backlog in England and Wales.
(2) There must be a target for the—
(a) overall reduction of the Crown Court backlog in England and Wales,
and
(b) reduction of the backlog in each different HMCTS region.
(3) The Lord Chancellor must lay before Parliament an annual report on progress
against these targets.
(4) Any report under subsection (3) must include any steps taken to address the
failure to meet the targets. ”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Lord Chancellor to set and publish targets for reducing court backlogs
and to report annually to Parliament on progress.
_NC6 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 22

. To move the following Clause—
“Fast-track courts for rape and serious sexual offences
(1) The Lord Chancellor must by regulations make provision for specialist court
capacity for cases involving rape and serious sexual offences (“RASSO”).
(2) Regulations under this section must include provision for the prioritised listing
and progression of RASSO cases.
(3) The Lord Chancellor must take reasonable steps for any necessary judicial,
administrative and support resources to be made available to operate such
court capacity.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Lord Chancellor to ensure that specialist court capacity is made
available for the fast-tracking of RASSO cases.
_NC7 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Victim-led Intensive Case Management
(1) The Lord Chancellor must, within six months of the passing of this Act, lay
before Parliament a strategy for the implementation of Victim-Led Intensive
Case Management in proceedings in the criminal courts (“The Strategy”).
(2) The strategy must outline steps to prioritise the experience of victims in relation
to proceedings in the criminal courts.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Lord Chancellor to lay before Parliament a strategy for victim-led
case management in relation to criminal court proceedings.
_NC8 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
. To move the following Clause—
“Judicial training: anti-discrimination
(1) Any member of the judiciary who may be assigned to proceedings for a trial
on indictment without a jury must have access to training on matters relating
to discrimination against individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds.
(2) Training provided under subsection (1) must cover—
(a) the identification and prevention of racial bias, including unconscious
bias, and
(b) the impact of discrimination on access to justice and judicial outcomes.
23 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(3) The Lord Chancellor must by regulations specify how often members of the
judiciary must undertake such training.
(4) The Lord Chancellor must lay an annual report before Parliament on the
provision and uptake of training provided under this section.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the provision of training for the judiciary focused on discrimination against
ethnic minorities, including racial bias and its impact on judicial decision-making.
_NC9 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
. To move the following Clause—
“Judicial training: violence against women and girls
(1) Any member of the judiciary who may be assigned to proceedings for a trial
on indictment without a jury must have access to training on matters relating
to violence against women and girls.
(2) Training provided under subsection (1) must cover—
(a) the nature and dynamics of violence against women and girls,
including—
(i) domestic abuse,
(ii) sexual violence,
(iii) coercive control, and
(iv) so-called honour-based abuse;
(b) best practice in hearing cases involving violence against women and
girls, including ensuring fair and trauma-informed proceedings.
(3) The Lord Chancellor must by regulations specify how often members of the
judiciary must undertake such training.
(4) The Lord Chancellor must lay an annual report before Parliament on the
provision and uptake of training provided under this section.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the provision of training for the judiciary focused on violence against women
and girls.
_NC10 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 24

. To move the following Clause—
“Judicial training: domestic abuse
(1) Any member of the judiciary who may be assigned to proceedings for a trial
on indictment without a jury must have access to training on matters relating
to domestic abuse.
(2) Training provided under subsection (1) must cover—
(a) the nature and dynamics of domestic abuse, including physical,
emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse, as well as
controlling or coercive behaviour;
(b) best practice in the management of cases involving domestic abuse,
including ensuring fair and trauma-informed proceedings.
(3) The Lord Chancellor must by regulations specify how often members of the
judiciary must undertake such training.
(4) The Lord Chancellor must lay an annual report before Parliament on the
provision and uptake of training provided under this section.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the provision of training for the judiciary focused on domestic abuse.
_NC11 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Pilot of trial allocation reforms
(1) The Lord Chancellor may not make regulations bringing sections 1 to 7 of this
Act into force unless—
(a) he has first made arrangements for a pilot scheme for the provision of
those sections in accordance with subsections (2) and (3)
(b) a statutory instrument containing regulations for the commencement
of sections 1 to 7 of this Act has been laid before and approved by a
resolution of each House of Parliament.
(2) A pilot scheme may—
(a) be for the purpose of trialling all provisions of sections 1 to 7 of this
Act;
(b) be for such a period as the Lord Chancellor may by regulations specify,
provided that the period does not exceed 24 months beginning with
the day on which this section is brought into force;
(c) take place in at least one location in England and Wales as the Lord
Chancellor may by regulations specify;
(d) apply to proceedings in the criminal courts as the Lord Chancellor may
by regulations specify.
(3) Before the conclusion of the pilot scheme under subsection (2), the Lord
Chancellor must—
25 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(a) commission an independent review of the pilot scheme, and
(b) Lay before Parliament a report on the assessment under paragraph (a).”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Government to pilot the removal of the right to elect trial by jury
before national implementation, and to report to Parliament on its impact.
_NC12 Jess Brown-Fuller
Siân Berry
. To move the following Clause—
“Access to free court transcripts for victims
(1) Victims of criminal offences shall be entitled to receive, without charge, court
transcripts of—
(a) judicial summings-up,
(b) bail decisions and conditions
which are relevant to their case.
(2) HM Courts and Tribunals Service must ensure that such transcripts are provided
within 14 days of a request.
(3) The duty under subsection (1) shall apply irrespective of whether the victim
gave evidence in the case.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would give victims a right to receive, free of charge, court transcripts of judicial
summings-up and bail decisions relevant to their case. It requires that transcripts be provided within
14 days of a request and clarifies that this right applies whether or not the victim gave evidence in
the case.
_NC13 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Report on the effect of the Act on public trust and participation in the criminal
justice system
(1) The Lord Chancellor must commission a report on the effect of the provisions
of the Act on public trust and participation in the judicial system.
(2) A report under this section must—
(a) include consideration of the effect of the provisions of the Act on—
(i) witness participation;
(ii) the effect of these reforms on public confidence and trust in the
criminal justice system;
(iii) the effect of these provisions on BAME engagement with and
trust of the criminal justice system;
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 26

(b) contain recommendations for further provision, or changes to delivery
of provision under this Act, to increase the levels of each criterion set
out in subparagraphs (2)(a)(i) to (2)(a)(iii).
(3) Within twelve months beginning on the day on which this Act is passed, the
Lord Chancellor must lay before Parliament—
(a) a copy of a report under this section,
(b) the Lord Chancellor’s response to recommendations made by that
report.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Lord Chancellor to commission, lay, and respond to a report on
the effect of the Bill on public trust in the criminal justice system.
_NC15 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Regulation of Expert Witnesses
(1) In proceedings in the family court, a person may not give evidence in the
capacity of a psychologist or psychiatrist unless that person is registered with
the appropriate regulatory body.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “appropriate regulatory body” means—
(a) in the case of a psychiatrist, the General Medical Council;
(b) in the case of a psychologist, the Health and Care Professions Council;
or
(c) such other bodies as the Lord Chancellor may specify by regulations.
(3) In this section “expert evidence” has the same meaning as in section 13 of the
Children and Families Act 2014.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would ensure that individuals giving expert evidence in family proceedings as
psychologists or psychiatrists are appropriately qualified and subject to statutory professional
regulation. It would prevent unregulated individuals from providing such evidence.
_NC16 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Protective relocation and presumption of reasonableness
(1) This section applies to family proceedings in which—
(a) a parent (“the relocating parent”) has relocated, or proposes to relocate,
with a child; and
(b) it is alleged that such relocation has adversely affected, or is intended
to affect, the child’s relationship with another party.
27 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(2) Where the relocating parent demonstrates that the decision to relocate was
made in consequence of domestic abuse, and this is supported by documented
advice from a relevant authority or support service, there is a presumption
that the relocation was reasonable and in the best interests of the child.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), “documented advice” includes advice,
guidance, or referral from—
(a) a police force;
(b) a local authority exercising social services functions;
(c) a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC); or
(d) an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) or equivalent
specialist support service.
(4) The presumption in subsection (2) can be rebutted if the other party
demonstrates, on the balance of probabilities, that the relocation is not
reasonable or not in the best interests of the child.
(5) In determining whether the presumption has been rebutted, the court must
have regard to—
(a) the nature and impact of the domestic abuse;
(b) the circumstances in which the advice or referral was given; and
(c) the welfare of the child as the court’s paramount consideration.
(6) The court may disapply the presumption in subsection (2) where it is satisfied
that—
(a) the evidential basis for the documented advice is insufficient; or
(b) it is otherwise necessary to do so in order to safeguard and promote
the welfare of the child.
(7) In this section—
(a) domestic abuse” has the same meaning as in section 1 of the Domestic
Abuse Act 2021;
(b) “child” means a person under the age of 18;
(c) “family proceedings” has the same meaning as in section 75(3) of the
Courts Act 2003.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause introduces a rebuttable presumption that a parent’s relocation with a child,
undertaken in reliance on documented advice from authorities or support services in the context of
domestic abuse, is reasonable and in the child’s best interests, unless the contrary is shown.
_NC17 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Review of Efficiencies in the Criminal Justice System
(1) The Lord Chancellor must, within 24 months beginning with the day on which
this Act is passed, conduct a review on the impact of the provisions of this Act
on the efficiency of the criminal justice system.
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 28

(2) The review under subsection (1) must, in particular, consider the impact on the
efficiency of the criminal justice system of—
(a) the provisions of this Act;
(b) The wider criminal justice system;
(c) the standard of delivery by court contract providers, including PECS
contractors;
(d) the condition of the courts estate; and
(e) the use of technology.
(3) In considering “efficiency”, the review must consider the impact on—
(a) delays,
(b) backlogs, and
(c) the experience of victims and witnesses.
(4) The Secretary of State must lay a report on the review before Parliament.
(5) The report under subsection (4) must include recommendations for further
legislative or administrative changes to improve the efficiency of the criminal
justice system.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Secretary of State to review and report on whether the Act has improved
the efficiency of the criminal justice system, including impacts on delays, backlogs, and the experience
of victims and witnesses.
_NC18 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Expiry of sections 1 to 7 in specified circumstances
(1) The Lord Chancellor must lay before Parliament a report assessing the
effectiveness of the provisions contained in sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
(2) A report under this section must be laid—
(a) within 24 months beginning on the day on which this Act is passed, or
(b) within 24 months of the latest date on which any of sections 1 to 7 is
commenced,
whichever is the later.
(3) The report must describe—
(a) any time saved in court as a result of the measures included in those
sections;
(b) any change in the number of cases awaiting trial at Crown Court since
this Act was passed;
(c) the number of cases awaiting trial at Crown Court at the time at which
the Report is prepared;
(d) any other effect of the provisions of sections 1 to 7 on the criminal
justice system.
29 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(4) The report must provide a conclusion by the Lord Chancellor on whether the
reforms have been effective in reducing the number of cases awaiting trial at
Crown Court.
(5) Where the report concludes that the provisions have not been effective, the
Lord Chancellor must make regulations providing for the immediate repeal of
sections 1 to 7.
(6) Where the report concludes that the provisions are effective, the Lord
Chancellor must make regulations making provision for repeal of sections 1
to 7 subject to the condition in subsection (8).
(7) The condition is that the number of cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court
has in the opinion of the Lord Chancellor reduced to a sufficient extent.
(8) Regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument
has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of
Parliament.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause introduces a sunset clause requiring a report on the effectiveness of the provisions.
If the report finds that the measures are not effective, the Secretary of State must bring forward
regulations to repeal them. If the report finds that the measures are effective, the Secretary of State
must set a deadline for their repeal and a return to fully jury trials.
_NC19 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Disclosure of a party’s medical history in the Family Court
In section 63 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Special measures in family
proceedings: victims of domestic abuse), after subsection (4) insert—
“(4A) A party to the proceedings who is a victim of domestic abuse within
the meaning of section 1 of this Act may not be ordered by the court
to disclose their counselling or medical records to another party to the
proceedings, except where the court is satisfied that exceptional
circumstances require such disclosure.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would mean that in family court proceedings domestic abuse victims cannot be
ordered to disclose their counselling or medical records except in exceptional circumstances.
_NC20 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Determination of domestic abuse allegations and related presumptions
This section applies in family proceedings in which—
(a) party A alleges that party B has perpetrated domestic abuse, and
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 30

(b) the court is invited to consider whether a party A has engaged in
conduct intended, or having the effect of, undermining a child’s
relationship with another party.
(1) Where this section applies, the court must determine, as a preliminary issue,
any allegation of domestic abuse before considering any allegation falling
within subsection (1)(b).
(2) The court must treat the determination of allegations of domestic abuse as a
matter of priority and, so much as reasonably practicable, must not proceed
to determine any issue relating to the child’s relationship with either party
until such allegations have been determined.
(3) Where the court finds, on the balance of probabilities, that party B has
perpetrated domestic abuse against another party or the child—
(a) there shall be a rebuttable presumption that any reluctance or refusal
by the child to spend time with party B constitutes a reasonable and
justified response to the domestic abuse; and
(b) the court must not consider any allegation that party A has engaged
in conduct falling within subsection (1)(b) unless satisfied that the
presumption in paragraph (a) has been rebutted.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (4)(b), the presumption may be rebutted only
where party B demonstrates, on the balance of probabilities, that the child’s
reluctance or refusal cannot be reasonably attributed to the domestic abuse.
(5) Subsections (2) to (5) apply only where the allegation of domestic abuse meets
such minimum evidential threshold as may be prescribed by rules of court.
(6) Notwithstanding the above, the court may disapply the presumption in
subsection (4)(a), or the requirement in subsection (2), where it is satisfied that
to do so is necessary to secure the welfare of the child as its paramount
consideration.
(7) In this section—
(a) domestic abuse” has the same meaning as in section 1 of the Domestic
Abuse Act 2021;
(b) references to a child are to a person under the age of 18;
(c) references to “family proceedings” have the same meaning as in section
75(3) of the Courts Act 2003.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires courts to determine domestic abuse allegations before considering claims
of parental alienation. If abuse is proven, a child’s reluctance to see the abusive parent is presumed
a justified response. This presumption must be rebutted before the court can entertain allegations
of alienating behaviour against the protective parent.
_NC21 Cat Eccles
Yasmin Qureshi
31 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

. To move the following Clause—
“Sending cases to the Crown Court
(1) The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 51 (Sending cases to the Crown Court: adults), at the end of
subsection (1) insert “, provided the case is ready to be heard in the Crown
Court”
(3) In section 51A (Sending cases to the Crown Court: children and young persons),
after subsection (2) insert “provided the case is ready to be heard in the Crown
Court”
_NC22 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Remote Court Participation: Strategy
(1) The Lord Chancellor must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, lay
before Parliament a strategy for the use of remote proceedings to reduce the
case backlog (“the strategy”).
(2) The strategy must include—
(a) an assessment of the current use of remote proceedings;
(b) an evaluation of the impact of remote proceedings on the speed of
case disposal and the overall reduction of the outstanding caseload;
(c) recommendations on how the principle of open justice can be upheld
with the increased use of remote proceedings;
(d) criteria for determining the suitability of proceedings for different forms
of remote participation; and
(e) provisions for the security, reliability, and resilience of digital systems
used in remote proceedings.
(3) The Secretary of State must, at intervals of no more than 24 months following
the laying of the strategy, lay before Parliament a report on progress made
against the strategy.
(4) The progress report must consider—
(a) the extent to which the strategy has been implemented;
(b) the impact on the criminal case backlog, including any measures by
which that impact has been assessed; and
(c) any further legislative or budgetary provisions to ensure the
effectiveness of remote proceedings.
(5) For the purposes of this section, “remote proceedings” means any proceedings
in which one or more participants attend by way of live video or audio link.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Lord Chancellor to publish a formal strategy for the use of remote
proceedings to reduce the case backload in the criminal justice system.
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 32

_NC23 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Report on the effect of the Act on prosecution of rape and serious sexual
offences
(1) The Lord Chancellor must commission a report on the effect of the provisions
of the Act on proceedings of cases involving rape and serious sexual offences.
(2) The matters the report must consider include—
(a) the effect of the Act on the time taken to dispose of cases;
(b) the effect of the Act on witness participation in proceedings; and
(c) the effect of the Act on experience of victims during proceedings.
(3) The report must make recommendations to improve each of the matters set
out in subsection (2).
(4) Recommendations may include—
(a) recommendations about how the Act is implemented, and
(b) recommendations about further provision necessary to improve each
matter.
(5) In this section, serious sexual offences are such offences as the Crown
Prosecution Service may from time to time specify.
(6) Within twelve months beginning on the day on which this Act is passed, the
Lord Chancellor must lay before Parliament—
(a) a copy of a report under this section,
(b) the Lord Chancellor’s response to recommendations made by that
report.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require a report on the effect of the provisions of the Bill on the progression
of RASSO cases, and require the Lord Chancellor to respond to these recommendations.
_NC24 Dr Kieran Mullan
. To move the following Clause—
“Expiry of sections 1 to 7
(1) Sections 1 to 7 of this Act expire three months after the date on which the
condition in subsection (2) is met.
(2) The condition is that number of cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court has
been below pre-pandemic level in each of the previous four quarterly reporting
periods.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) the number of cases awaiting trial in the
Crown Court is that which is calculated by HM Courts and Tribunals Service.”
33 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause sunsets sections 1 to 7 of this Act so that they will not longer be in force once the
court backlog has been resolved.
_NC25 Dr Kieran Mullan
. To move the following Clause—
“Courts for rape and sexual offences—
(1) The Secretary of State must by regulations make provision for a specialist sexual
offences court to be established at each Crown Court location in England and
Wales for the purpose set out in subsection (2).
(2) The purpose of any court established under subsection (1) is to ensure that
trials relating to sexual offences, sexual abuse, and rape are heard as quickly
as possible.
(3) Any court established under subsection (1) must make provision for support
from independent sexual violence advisers to be accessible to victims.
(4) Regulations under this section must make specialist trauma training available
for staff working in each such court.
(5) Regulations under this section are subject to the affirmative resolution
procedure.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would set up the specialist rape courts promised in the Labour Party Manifesto.
_NC26 Dr Kieran Mullan
. To move the following Clause—
“Unduly lenient sentences scheme: application to the magistrates’ courts
(1) Section 35 of the Criminal Justice Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(2) In subsection (1)(a) after “Crown Court” insert “, or the magistrates’ court
where the sentence is in respect of an either way offence,””
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would ensure that those affected by any case that was triable either-way before
this Act was passed shall still be subject to the unduly lenient sentence scheme.
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 34

_NC27 Mr Adnan Hussain
. To move the following Clause—
“Pilot of trial allocation reforms (No. 2)
(1) The Lord Chancellor may not make regulations bringing sections 1 to 5 of this
Act into force unless he has first made arrangements for a pilot scheme for
the provision of those sections in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).
(2) A pilot scheme must—
(a) be for the purpose of trialling all provisions of sections 1 to 5 of this
Act;
(b) be for such a period as the Lord Chancellor may by regulations specify,
provided that the period under paragraph (a) is met;
(c) take place in at least one location in England and Wales as the Lord
Chancellor may by regulations specify.
(3) Within 12 months of the conclusion of the pilot scheme under subsection (2),
the Lord Chancellor must—
(a) assess the impact of the pilot scheme on—
(i) the timeliness of the disposal of cases included in the pilot
scheme,
(ii) appeal rates relating to those cases,
(iii) the outcomes of those cases,
(iv) defendants’ access to trial by jury, and
(v) public confidence in the criminal justice system; and
(b) Lay before Parliament a report on the assessment under paragraph (a).”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Government to pilot the removal of the right to elect trial by jury
before national implementation, and to report to Parliament on its impact.
_NC28 Siân Berry
. To move the following Clause—
“Use of video recorded evidence in chief
(1) Section 27 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 is amended in
accordance with subsections (2) and (3).
(2) After subsection (1), insert—
“(1A) Evidence in chief admitted in accordance with subsection (1) may include
transcription of any video recording, provided that such a transcript is
not admitted in place of the recording.”
35 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(3) After subsection (5) insert—
“(5A) Where a witness is called in accordance with section (5)(a), the court
must make arrangements so that the witness is not, in the course of
proceedings, obliged to watch the video recording of the evidence in
chief.”
(4) Section 28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 is amended as
in accordance with subsections (5).
(5) After subsection (2) insert—
“(2A) Where the direction provides for any cross-examination or
re-examination of the witness, or reexamination, any questions that
the accused or legal representatives representing to the accused intend
to put during cross-examination or re-examination must be provided
to the witness—
(a) within six months of the date on which evidence video recorded
evidence in chief is submitted to the court under section 27, or
(b) 14 days before a cross-examination is due to take place under
this section, whichever is the sooner.””
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause amends the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to prevent vulnerable
witnesses from repeatedly watching their video testimony during court proceedings, and to require
those witnesses to be provided with cross-examination questions in good time ahead of any
cross-examination.
_NC29 Paulette Hamilton
Jess Brown-Fuller
Alex McIntyre
. To move the following Clause—
“Review of impact of provisions of section 3
(1) The Lord Chancellor must lay before Parliament a report containing a review
of the impact of the provisions of section 3 during each relevant period.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the relevant periods are—
(a) before the end of 12 months, and
(b) no sooner than 35 months but no later than 36 months
beginning on the day on which section 3 of this Act is commenced.
(3) Reviews under this section must consider the impact of the provisions of sections
74A to 74D of the Senior Courts Act 1981, as inserted by Section 3 of this Act,
on persons who—
(a) are from any ethnic minority background;
(b) are White British and live in lower income households.”
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 36

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause requires the Lord Chancellor to review, after one year and three years, the impact
of the provisions of section 3 on people who are from ethnic minority backgrounds, and on White
people from lower-income households.
_NC30 Jess Brown-Fuller
. To move the following Clause—
“Duty to provide trauma-informed training
(1) The Lord Chancellor must ensure that appropriate training is made mandatory
for members of all court staff working in the criminal courts on best practice
in relation to victims' trauma.
(2) Training under subsection (1) must include—
(a) the nature, prevalence, and impact of domestic abuse, coercive and
controlling behaviour, and rape and serious sexual offences (“RASSO”);
(b) the dynamics and psychological effects of trauma on parties and
witnesses involved in proceedings;
(c) the identification and appropriate handling of cases involving domestic
abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, and RASSO offences;
(d) the ways in which trauma may affect memory, communication,
behaviour, and engagement with court proceedings;
(e) best practices for reducing retraumatisation within court and tribunals
settings.
(3) Training provided under this section must—
(a) on initial appointment to a role within a court, and at regular intervals
thereafter;
(b) reflect current best practice and be informed by up-to-date research
and guidance;
(c) be developed in consultation with appropriate experts, including
specialist support organisations and persons with lived experience of
abuse and trauma.
(4) The Lord Chancellor must keep the training under review and revise it as
appropriate.
(5) The Lord Chancellor must publish guidance on the implementation of this
section.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause would require the Lord Chancellor to ensure that members of the court staff working
in the criminal courts receive mandatory, consistent training on trauma-informed practice to improve
understanding of how trauma affects victims’ evidence, behaviour, and engagement with court
proceedings.
37 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

_NC31 Alison Hume
. To move the following Clause—
“Determination of domestic abuse allegations and related presumptions
(1) There is a rebuttable presumption that any reluctance or refusal by a child to
spend time with a party against whom the child, or a party representing the
child, has made allegations of domestic abuse constitutes a reasonable and
justified response to the domestic abuse.
(2) The presumption in subsection (1) may be rebutted only where the accused
party demonstrates, on the balance of probabilities, that the child’s reluctance
or refusal cannot be reasonably attributed to the domestic abuse.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause provides that, in family court, where a child refuses or is reluctant to spend time
with one party as a result of an allegation against that party of domestic abuse against the child,
the court must presume the reluctance or refusal is reasonable.
_NC32 Kim Johnson
. To move the following Clause—
“Commencement dependent on independent review of racial disproportionality
(1) This section applies in relation to the commencement of Clauses 1 to 7 of this
Act.
(2) The provisions inserted by Clauses 1 to 7 of this Act may not be brought into
force unless the conditions in subsections (3) to (6) have been met.
(3) The Secretary of State must commission an independent review into racial
disproportionality arising from—
(a) the changes to jurisdiction powers and procedures in the Magistrates’
Courts under Part 1; and
(b) the operation of trial-allocation decisions under Part 1.
(4) As soon as reasonably practicable after completing a review under this section,
the reviewer must send a report on its outcome to the Secretary of State.
(5) On receiving a report under subsection (4), the Secretary of State must lay a
copy of it before both Houses of Parliament.
(6) As soon as reasonably practicable, the Secretary of State must—
(a) prepare and publish a strategy setting out the measures the Secretary
of State intends to take in consequence of the review’s findings; and
(b) implement those measures in full before Clauses 1 to 7 may be brought
into force.”
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 38

Member's explanatory statement
This new clause introduces a duty to commission an independent review into racial disproportionality
arising from the changes to jurisdiction, powers and procedures in the magistrates’ courts, and from
the operation of the new trial-allocation provisions in Clauses 1 to 7 of the Bill.
_NC33 Kim Johnson
. To move the following Clause—
“Commencement dependent on review of differential impact on classes of
persons
(1) This section applies in relation to the commencement of Clauses 1 to 7 of this
Act.
(2) The provisions inserted by Clauses 1 to 7 of this Act may not be brought into
force unless the conditions in subsections (3) to (7) have been met.
(3) The Secretary of State must commission an independent review on whether,
and the extent to which—
(a) the changes to jurisdiction powers and procedures in the Magistrates’
Courts under Part 1; and
(b) the operation of trial-allocation decisions under Part 1,
are likely to have a disproportionate impact on particular classes of persons.
(4) The review under subsection (3) must consider—
(a) the extent to which, as a result of the provisions in subsections (3)(a)
and (b), defendants in criminal proceedings are eligible for legal aid;
(b) whether persons of limited financial means are likely to be affected
differently from other defendants as a result of those provisions; and
(c) the projected number of defendants who, as a result of those provisions,
are likely to be unrepresented.
(5) As soon as reasonably practicable after completing a review under this section,
the reviewer must send a report on its findings to the Secretary of State.
(6) On receiving a report under subsection (5), the Secretary of State must lay a
copy of it before both Houses of Parliament.
(7) As soon as reasonably practicable, the Secretary of State must—
(a) publish a strategy setting out the measures the Secretary of State intends
to take in consequence of the review’s findings; and
(b) implement those measures in full before Clauses 1 to 7 may be brought
into force.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause introduces a duty to conduct an independent review of whether Clause 1 to 7 of
the Bill give rise to disproportionate impacts on particular classes of persons.
39 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

_NC34 Kim Johnson
. To move the following Clause—
“Clarification of secondary liability
(1) The Accessories and Abettors Act 1861 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 8 (abettors in misdemeanours), after “shall” insert “, by making a
significant contribution to its commission.”
Member's explanatory statement
This new clause amends the Accessories and Abettors Act 1861 to provide that only a person who
directly commits, or who makes a significant contribution to the commission of, an offence may be
held criminally liable.
_15 Jess Brown-Fuller
. Clause 26, page 35, line 19, at end insert “, subject to the provisions of subsection (3A).
(3A) The Lord Chancellor may not make regulations under subsection (3) relating
to the following sections until he has published a response to the
recommendation of Part II of Independent Review of the Criminal Courts—
(a) Section 1 (Removal of right to elect trial on indictment);
(b) Section 2 (Written indication of guilty plea: removal of right to object
to venue);
(c) Section 3 (Trial on indictment without a jury: general rule for allocation);
(d) Section 4 (Trial on indictment without a jury: complex or lengthy cases);
(e) Section 5 (Consequential amendments relating to sections 3 and 4).
(f) Section 6 (Increase in maximum custodial sentence in magistrates’ courts)
(g) Section 7 (Appeals from magistrates’ courts)”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would make the publication of the Government response to Part II of the
Independent Review of the Criminal Courts a precondition of Clause 1 to 7 of this Bill coming into
force.
_16 Jess Brown-Fuller
. Clause 26, page 35, line 19, at end insert “, subject to the provisions of subsection (3A).
(3A) The Lord Chancellor may not make regulations under subsection (3) relating
to the following sections until the pilot in accordance of section [Pilot of trial
allocation reforms (No. 2)] has been concluded—
(a) Section 1 (Removal of right to elect trial on indictment);
(b) Section 2 (Written indication of guilty plea: removal of right to object
to venue);
(c) Section 3 (Trial on indictment without a jury: general rule for allocation);
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 40

(d) Section 4 (Trial on indictment without a jury: complex or lengthy cases);
(e) Section 5 (Consequential amendments relating to sections 3 and 4);
(f) Section 6 (Increase in maximum custodial sentence in magistrates’
courts);
(g) Section 7 (Appeals from magistrates’ courts).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on NC11.
_59 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Clause 26, page 35, line 19, at end insert “, subject to the provisions of subsection (3A).
(3A) The Lord Chancellor may not make regulations under subsection (3) relating
to the sections set out under subsection (3B) until he has taken reasonable
steps to increase Crown Court sitting capacity, including but not limited to—
(a) using buildings not currently in use as courts to hear cases where cells
are not needed, and
(b) reducing lost sitting days as a result of late guilty pleas and prison
transport delays.
(3B) The sections referenced in subsection (3A) are—
(a) Section 1 (Removal of right to elect trial on indictment);
(b) Section 2 (Written indication of guilty plea: removal of right to object
to venue);
(c) Section 3 (Trial on indictment without a jury: general rule for allocation);
(d) Section 4 (Trial on indictment without a jury: complex or lengthy cases);
(e) Section 5 (Consequential amendments relating to sections 3 and 4).
(f) Section 6 (Increase in maximum custodial sentence in magistrates’ courts)
(g) Section 6 (Increase in maximum custodial sentence in magistrates’
courts)”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would ensure that sections 1 to 7 of the Act could not be commenced until the
Lord Chancellor has used alternative means to increase Crown Court sitting capacity.
_60 Mr Adnan Hussain
. Clause 26, page 35, line 19, at end insert “, subject to the provisions of subsection (3A).
(3A) The Lord Chancellor may not make regulations under subsection (3) relating
to the following sections until the pilot in accordance of section [Pilot of trial
allocation reforms (No. 2)] has been concluded—
(a) Section 1 (Removal of right to elect trial on indictment);
(b) Section 2 (Written indication of guilty plea: removal of right to object
to venue);
(c) Section 3 (Trial on indictment without a jury: general rule for allocation);
41 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

(d) Section 4 (Trial on indictment without a jury: complex or lengthy cases);
(e) Section 5 (Consequential amendments relating to sections 3 and 4).”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on NC27.
_35 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Clause 26, page 35, line 19, at end insert—
“(3A) The Lord Chancellor may not make a statutory instrument containing
regulations under subsection (3) bringing sections 1 to 7 into force until the
conditions in subsection (3B) are met.
(3B) The conditions are that—
(a) the Lord Chancellor has provided funding for at least 130,000 sitting
days in the Crown Court in the financial year following the coming into
force of this Act,
(b) HM Courts and Tribunals Service has made an assessment that the Crown
Court has, so far as possible, used the allocation of sitting days provided
under subsection (3B)(a), and
(c) the Lord Chancellor has made a statement to the House of Commons
that the funding provided under subsection (3B)(a) has not reduced the
number of cases pending trial in the Crown Court compared to the start
of the financial year.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment prevents the provisions in sections 1 to 7 from coming into force until the Lord
Chancellor has provided funding for 130,000 sittings days in the Crown Court; HMCTS has assessed
that the Crown Court has used its allocation of sitting days; and the Lord Chancellor has made a
statement to the House that this has not reduced the backlog.
_36 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Clause 26, page 35, line 19, at end insert—
“(3A) The Lord Chancellor may not make a statutory instrument containing
regulations under subsection (3) bringing sections 1 to 7 into force until he
has—
(a) undertaken a consultation on the potential benefits of introducing
extended sitting hours in the Crown Court, and
(b) laid before Parliament a report on the outcome of the consultation.
(3B) The consultation under subsection (3A) must consider—
(a) potential rates of fees and renumeration for legal professionals and
court staff working extended hours, and
(b) the availability of HM Courts and Tribunal Service staff.”
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 42

Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would ensure that sections 1 to 7 of the Act did not come into force until the Lord
Chancellor had reviewed how to increase sitting hours in the Crown Court.
_37 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Clause 26, page 35, line 19, at end insert—
“(3A) The Lord Chancellor may not make a statutory instrument containing
regulations under subsection (3) bringing section 7 into force until he has
undertaken an assessment of the rate of upheld appeals on convictions and
sentences handed down in the magistrates’ court in the previous two years.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would prevent the restriction of right of appeal against magistrates court decisions
unless the rate of successful appeals from the magistrates courts has been below 10% in the previous
two years.
_58 Dr Kieran Mullan
. Clause 26, page 35, line 19, at end insert—
“(3A) The Lord Chancellor may not make a statutory instrument containing
regulations under subsection (3) bringing sections 3 to 5 into force until he
has—
(a) commissioned an independent review to assess the length of time
required for a judge sitting alone to deliver a judgment after conviction,
(b) laid before Parliament a report on the outcome of the review under
subsection (3A)(a), and
(c) made a statement to the House of Commons on the Government’s
response to any recommendations from the review.”
Member's explanatory statement
This amendment would stop sections 3 to 5 coming into force until the Government had an evidence
base for how long these provisions might delay the issuing of judgments after convictions.
Order of the House
[10 March 2026]
That the following provisions shall apply to the Courts and Tribunals Bill:
Committal
1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee.
43 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

Proceedings in Public Bill Committee
2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded)
be brought to a conclusion on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
3. The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it
meets.
Consideration and Third Reading
4. Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought
to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which
those proceedings are commenced.
5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought
to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings
on Consideration and Third Reading.
Other proceedings
7. Any other proceedings on the Bill may be programmed.
Order of the Committee
[25 March 2026, as amended]
That—
(1) the Committee shall (in addition to its first meeting at 9.25 am on Wednesday 25
March) meet—
(a) at 2.00 pm on Wednesday 25 March;
(b) at 9.25 am and 2.00 pm on Tuesday 14 April;
(c) at 11.30 am and 2.00 pm on Thursday 16 April;
(d) at 9.25 am and 2.00 pm on Tuesday 21 April;
(e) at 11.30 am and 2.00 pm on Thursday 23 April;
(f) at 9.25 am and 2.00 pm on Tuesday 28 April;
(2) the Committee shall hear oral evidence in accordance with the following Table:
Witness Time Date
Rt Hon Sir Brian Leveson Until no later than
9.55 am
Wednesday 25 March
Victims’ Commissioner for England
and Wales; Professor Katrin Hohl,
Until no later than
10.35 am
Wednesday 25 March
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 44

Witness Time Date
Professor of Criminology and
Criminal Justice, City St George’s,
University of London; Dame Vera
Baird KC
Women’s Aid Federation of England;
Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott;
Until no later than
11.25 am
Wednesday 25 March
Charlotte Meijer; Morwenna
Loughman
The Bar Council; Criminal Bar
Association
Until no later than
2.30 pm
Wednesday 25 March
Claire Davies KC, Leader of the South
Eastern Circuit; Samantha Hillas KC,
Until no later than
3.00 pm
Wednesday 25 March
Leader of the Northern Circuit;
Caroline Goodwin KC, Leader of the
North Eastern Circuit
Claire Throssell Until no later than
3.20 pm
Wednesday 25 March
Doug Downey KC MPP Until no later than
3.40 pm
Wednesday 25 March
Chief Constable of Lancashire
Constabulary
Until no later than
3.55 pm
Wednesday 25 March
HMCTS Until no later than
4.10 pm
Wednesday 25 March
Hon Sir Richard Henriques, His Hon.
Clement Goldstone KC, Rt Hon Lord
Burnett of Maldon
Until no later than
4.25 pm
Wednesday 25 March
JUSTICE; Centre for Criminal Appeals
(APPEAL); Institute for Government
Until no later than
4.55 pm
Wednesday 25 March
Plan B. Earth Until no later than
5.10 pm
Wednesday 25 March
Ministry of Justice Until no later than
5.30pm
Wednesday 25 March
(3) proceedings on consideration of the Bill in Committee shall be taken in the
following order: Clauses 1 to 4; Schedule 1; Clauses 5 to 7; Schedule 2; Clauses 8
to 18; Schedule 3; Clauses 19 and 20; new Clauses; new Schedules; Clauses 21 to
27; remaining proceedings on the Bill;
(4) the proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion
at 5.00 pm on Tuesday 28 April.
45 COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026

Withdrawn Amendments
The following amendments were withdrawn on 10 April 2026:
27
The following amendments were withdrawn on 14 April 2026:
NC14
COMMITTEE STAGE Thursday 23 April 2026 46