Three months ago, Luke demanded action on the Crown court backlog affecting victims on Teesside and across the country.

Today, he welcomed action by the Government to confirm an extra 4,000 sitting days for next year – meaning Crown Court judges will oversee a record 110,000 days of cases.

Luke Myer MP said:

“I’m pleased that Government have listened and confirmed a record number of court sitting days next year. These extra days will help deliver the swifter justice victims deserve, and get more criminals off our streets.

“The disastrous system the previous government left behind meant victims faced huge delays to get justice. We must keep our streets safe, ensure that victims are heard, and ensure justice is no longer denied.”

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said: 

“This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog, with justice delayed and denied for far too many victims. Bearing down on that backlog is an essential element of our Plan for Change, bringing offenders to justice to keep our streets safe. 

“Funding a record number of sitting days is a critical first step. But there is more that we must and we will do. I have asked Sir Brian Leveson to consider radical reforms to deliver the swifter justice that victims deserve.”