Written questions by Dickson.

What steps he is taking to tackle backlogs in the courts.

Sir Brian’s report set out a blueprint for pragmatic structural reform in our criminal courts and made clear that action across the process is essential.The Courts and Tribunals Bill is the first step to putting that blueprint into law. Coupled with record investment in sitting days and criminal legal aid and modernisation of listing practices and use of case coordinators and blitz courts to boost efficiencies, we are taking a neglected service and bringing it, finally, into the 21st century.

What steps his Department is taking to improve the transparency of sentencing.

The Government is committed to transparency in our courts and tribunals, and I know the judiciary are too.Last month we announced that we are expanding free access to sentencing remarks to all victims whose case is sentenced in the Crown Court.This is a landmark moment for transparency and open justice, and a meaningful improvement for victims across the country.