KINGSTON'S LAW BEFORE TREASURY TRICKS

6.11.01

LOCAL MP WARNS OF 'SMASH AND GRAB' RAID ON LONDON'S MAGISTRATES' COURTS - INCLUDING KINGSTON'S OWN COURT

In a debate last week entitled "The Future of London's Magistrates' Courts" in the House of Commons, Kingston's MP, Edward Davey, warned that Kingston Magistrates' Court could become the latest victim of the Treasury's sale of the nation's family silver.

Kingston and Surbiton's Liberal Democrat MP pointed to new proposals from the Greater London Magistrate's Courts Authority (GLMCA) to close magistrates' courts across the capital, including Kingston. As a result, Mr Davey pressed for Kingston's retained and for any money raised from other court sell-offs to be kept by the GLMCA for further modernisation. Edward Davey argued that Kingston's case was special, not least because of the Guildhall's Listed Building status, and the Court's proximity to the police station.

In response to Edward Davey's concerns, the Private Secretary to the Lord Chancellor, Mr Wills MP, was unable to guarantee there would be no Treasury claw-back of cash raised from the closures via the great mechanism. The Minister confirmed that the GLMCA were still considering Kingston's case, but would make a final recommendation in December.

Edward Davey said,

'Kingston could be hit by a double whammy - a court closure and a Listed Building standing empty.

'The closure of Kingston Magistrates' Court simply doesn't make sense.

'The Government has just finished a review of the court system. In it, they have suggested the social needs for faster justice.

'This won't be achieved if there are fewer courts in which cases can be heard.'

You can also read the full text of the debate.