Matt Bishop

Matt Bishop

Labour — Forest of Dean

Speaking in the House of Commons on 10 March 2026

Debate

Courts and Tribunals Bill

Contribution

I completely agree. Children must never be used as a tool through which abuse can continue after separation. Removing the presumption also sends a clear message that children’s safety and wellbeing must always come first. Reforms of this scale will rightly be scrutinised as the Bill progresses, but the alternative—doing nothing—is simply not acceptable. Without reform, the backlog will grow, victims will continue to wait and confidence in our justice system will continue to erode. Justice is the foundation of public confidence in this country. When victims lose faith in the system, the rule of law itself begins to weaken. This Bill is about restoring the faith and ensuring that when victims come forward, the justice system is ready to stand behind them. For that reason, I am pleased to support the Bill today.

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