Topical Questions

Part of Justice – in the House of Commons at on 22 September 2020.

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Photo of Robert Buckland Robert Buckland The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work he is doing on this important issue and for the introduction of his Bill. I fully recognise his concern, which is why we are working with the judiciary on a programme to increase the overall number of recruited magistrates. We are consulting on proposals to increase the mandatory retirement age of judicial office holders, including magistrates. That consultation closes on 16 October. I will consider the matter very carefully before reaching a final decision.