Member

I close by returning to the central purpose of this Bill. We inherited a criminal justice system under severe pressure, with victims, witnesses and defendants facing unacceptable delays, and some victims dropping out of the process altogether. As I have said, I think of Morwenna Loughman. This Bill is a serious and practical response to the challenges we face. Rather than bury our head in the sand, it confronts the problems on every single front with investment, modernisation and reform. It will ensure that we rebuild a justice system that is fit for the pressures of the modern age, while remaining grounded in the fundamental principles of fairness and the rule of law that English and Welsh law has always stood for. Our task is not simply to reduce the delays that exist today, but to build a sustainable justice system for the future. I look forward to hearing contributions from across the Chamber and responding to the points raised in what I hope will be a thoughtful and constructive debate.