News
08/07/2010
Commons motion expresses alarm at court closure plans
Members of Parliament have expressed alarm at proposals to close 157 courts across the country, including two in Dewsbury.
Plans to close the magistrates’ court and the county court were announced by the coalition government two weeks ago but this week backbench MPs have expressed their dismay at the decision through a House of Commons motion.
The motion was co-sponsored by Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood whose constituency is served by both courts in Dewsbury.
Mike Wood said: "The Government wants to make cuts too quickly and too deeply and is clearly relishing the task. But local people will suffer greatly. The threat to Dewsbury’s courts, and the principle of accessible local justice, is one symptom of this frenzied attack on spending.
"I hope our motion will be supported by MPs on all sides who are concerned about the significant and lasting impact these proposals will have on the prosecution of justice in local communities."
The motion calls into question the timetable for public consultation on proposals of such magnitude. It also calls on the justice minister to extend the consultation period to allow MPs and other interested parties to submit responses.
