On 11th September 2015, Jo Churchill MP wrote to Secretary of State, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, regarding the proposed court closures in Suffolk. The open letter was signed by fellow Suffolk MPs, James Cartlidge, Dan Poulter and Peter Aldous. The Government is consulting on plans to close 91 courts and tribunals across England and Wales, including those in Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds. The consultation closes on the 8th October.
Mrs Churchill said: “My colleagues and I want justice to remain local. Suffolk is the eighth largest county in England. If the proposals go ahead and the courts close, we will have the worst proportion of courts per square mile in the country and will be one of only six counties to operate just a single court. Constituents may have to travel up to 45 miles to access justice services.
That just isn’t good enough and I look forward to raising these issues in the Westminster Hall Debate on 16th September.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Letter attached
