Newcastle North MP and Shadow Solicitor General, Catherine McKinnell, has responded to the announcement on 14th December by the Ministry of Justice that 93 magistrates courts, and 49 county courts, are to be closed in England and Wales as part of the Coalition Government’s deficit-reduction programme.

Catherine said:

“The announcement today that some 142 courts will be closed is a devastating blow for communities around the country that want to see local justice done.

“Anything that makes attendance at court by witnesses, victims and defendants more difficult puts justice at risk.

“I’m also concerned about the progress that has been made for vulnerable groups through specialist court services, such as family and domestic violence courts being put at risk; the Minister did not provide reassurance that these court services will not be affected.”

The full list of courts closing in our region is available here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease141210a.htm