PROPOSED CLOSURE OF KENDAL MAGISTRATES' COURT

That this House is deeply concerned by the proposed closure of Kendal Magistrates' Court without a proper consultation of local people or foresight as to the ramifications of the decision; notes that ready access to justice is a fundamental part of Britain's legal system and that this decision threatens to directly contravene that principle; expresses further concern over the proposed closure of 91 courts across England and Wales in the name of judiciary reform; appreciates the need to modernise and streamline Britain's court systems to make the system fairer, more efficient, and more accessible to all; feels that the closure of Kendal Magistrates' Court does not fit with those objectives because of the court's importance to the community and the lack of a viable alternative for local residents; calls on the Courts and Tribunals Minister to reconsider the proposed closures to allow for local voices to be heard as part of a more serious consideration of the implications of the proposed closure of courts up and down the country; and hopes that the consultation process will be undertaken seriously and thoughtfully to allow for those opposing the closures to be heard respectfully and in full.