Court backlogs: it is a disgrace that victims have to wait years for justice

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the latest data on court backlogs showing that at the end of September 2024 there were 16,505 cases that had been open for a year or more, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Josh Babarinde MP said:

"From soaring court backlogs to overcrowded prisons, the Conservatives drove our criminal justice system to breaking point. Shamefully, victims, survivors and our communities have been left to pay the price. 

"It is a disgrace that the number of victims left waiting years for justice remains sky-high. Liberal Democrats believe that justice delayed is justice denied. It’s up to this Government to ensure justice is delivered swiftly for those innocent victims and survivors. 

"We’re prepared to stand up for victims, where the Conservatives failed to. That means fighting for a sustainable solution where we invest in preventing offending and re-offending in the first place. This is what will ultimately address the strain on our courts and prisons, and will keep our communities safe.”

ENDS