On the final day of the UK government’s consultation period, Plaid Cymru’sPlaid Cymru MPs will also join the PCS union’s protest against the cuts as they convene outside the Ministry of Justice yesterday (Wednesday). parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd MP has stepped up calls to halt the hurried closures of 157 courts in Wales and England.
As the local MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mr Llwyd has argued that the closures will hit rural areas of Wales disproportionately at a time of increased financial belt-tightening and puts the concept of ‘local justice’ severely at risk.
Mr Llwyd has previously called for the consultation period to be given more time and to ensure that there is time for full parliamentary scrutiny. Mr Llwyd has also tabled a popular EDM to this effect.
Mr Llwyd said:
“My concern is that given the hurried nature of this consultation period, undertaken during the parliamentary recess, the report will lead to impulsively made closures, which is a very dangerous move.
“Under the government’s plans, having so few magistrates’ courts especially in rural areas, makes a complete mockery of the whole notion of local justice.
“There is no evidence of proper planning here. Plaid Cymru will continue to champion the need for a strong connection between local communities and local justice provided through magistrates courts.
“The additional travel time to locations further away will prove especially costly and time-consuming at a time when families are already facing tightened budgets.
“I have also raised concerns surrounding the safety of witnesses and staff on public transport within a confined space.
“Across Wales as a whole, we cannot possibly lose any more courts. It will make life very difficult for people who use the courts – be it defendants, lawyers or justices of the peace.
“I have warned before that if these closures go ahead then I forsee the demise of the lay magistracy and greater use of district judges.”
