Robert Buckland

Zoom trials might be used to clear backlog of court cases

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Jurors could take part in trials over ZOOM in bid to clear backlog of court cases caused by coronavirus lockdown Justice Secretary Robert Buckland wants to restart courts in England and Wales He is considering proposals for altering the way jury trials are conducted Proposals include judge only trials, a reduced jury of seven or … Read more

Ten years in jail for desecrating war memorials under proposed plans

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Demonstrators who vandalise war memorials could be jailed for up to ten years under proposed plans as MPs look to make it easier to prosecute demonstrators who desecrate sacred monuments. The plans being considered by ministers come as at risk statues – including the Cenotaph, Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela – were covered up ahead of … Read more

Study shows 70 per cent of people are more likely to listen to expert advice after COVID

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Coronavirus crisis rebuilds Britain’s trust in expert opinion: Study shows 70 per cent of people are more likely to listen to specialist advice now than before the pandemic Michael Gove notably claimed that Britain had ‘had enough of experts’ in 2016 A survey last year also found that only 40 per cent trust expert advice the … Read more

Sports halls ‘could become makeshift courtrooms’ for family and commercial hearings

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Sports halls and hotel meeting rooms ‘could become makeshift courtrooms’ for family and commercial hearings in bid to get through backlog of 37,000 jury trials at traditional courts Lord Burnett told MPs that venues which are shut could be used for civil cases He hopes crown courts in England and Wales will reopen by end … Read more

STEPHEN GLOVER: If there were more scientists in Cabinet, they might not swallow what boffins say 

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Follow the science. It has become a mantra for Boris Johnson and senior ministers throughout this crisis. There are variations. One of them is: ‘We are guided by the science.’ Sometimes it’s ‘the best scientific advice’. Rather as in the Star Wars movies when the goodies constantly say ‘May the force be with you’ to … Read more

Pregnant inmates could be released from jails to protect their unborn babies from coronavirus

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Pregnant inmates could be released from jails to protect their unborn babies from coronavirus as cases in prisons surge to 65 The announcement has come following mounting pressure from campaigners  As of 5pm on Monday, 65 inmates had tested positive for the virus in 23 prisons First death – convicted paedophile Edwin Hillier, was confirmed … Read more