May 2026

Andy Slaughter voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

Ed Miliband voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

Kerry McCarthy voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

Dawn Butler voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

Mark Tami voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

Liam Byrne voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

Douglas Alexander voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

Alan Campbell voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

Angela Eagle voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

T7. We know how grooming gangs regularly trafficked young, vulnerable girls across borders, but survivors of these appalling crimes are deeply concerned that the UK and Scottish Governments’ separate inquiries will not investigate cross-border grooming gangs. What is the Minister doing to ensure that both the perpetrators of these horrific crimes and the institutions that failed the victims are properly held to account?

Dave Robertson voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

John Slinger voted NO on 'King's Speech Motion for an Address: amendment (i)' (108-323, defeated)

I recognise the real issues that exist for IPP prisoners—we have discussed those issues at length, and will continue to do so. The Prisons Minister has done a lot of work in this area, engaging with all of those who raise these issues on an almost weekly basis, including in another place. Of course, we want to do more and see those prisoners who are not going to cause public harm released.

We have announced additional funding of up to £34 million a year for criminal legal aid advocates, and an additional £92 million beyond that for criminal legal aid solicitors. The hon. Lady has mentioned the important issue of legal aid in relation to mental health cases, which we will look closely at in the next funding period.

I thank my hon. Friend for her campaign and work in this area. It is important that prisoners and those on probation are re-educated about codes of conduct, and I am happy for her to arrange a meeting with the Prisons Minister.

Magistrates play a hugely important role. I was sad that they were cut back under the previous Government. There used to be about 29,000. The hon. Gentleman will see the recruitment campaign right across the country. We need a new generation of magistrates, and I want them to come from all backgrounds.

The hon. Gentleman knows that the Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a record and rising caseload. He also knows that the last Government closed courts right across the country. We are legislating for structural reform. We are investing £2.78 billion to bring down the backlog. We will continue to look closely at the needs in Kendal, but he recognises that it will take some time to address what we inherited.

There is nothing more tragic than seeing young people, often from deprived backgrounds, preyed on by adults to run drugs and all sorts of contraband across the country. We will be bringing that offence forward as soon as possible.

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We cannot allow the rich and powerful to use their resources to stop proper investigation, and I will be bringing forward legislation as soon as time allows.

I want to reassure the hon. Gentleman that everyone inciting violence against Jewish communities in our country must face the full force of the law. I know he will recognise that I represent the Stamford Hill area of London, with its significant Orthodox Jewish community, and I am grateful that he has raised this. Can I just remind him that the CPS updated its guidance on hate crimes on 5 May, to ensure that people face the law as they should?