On Thursday, 6th February I travelled to Leicester to undertake a number of Ministerial visits in my capacity as Her Majesty’s Solicitor General.
First, I visited the East Midlands Regional HQ of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The CPS is the main prosecuting authority in England and Wales. In their daily operations they work in partnership with all agencies in the criminal justice system. They work especially closely with the police, although they are independent of them. As Solicitor General, I am a Superintendent of the CPS, and I keep updated on the work the CPS undertakes. The East Midlands region incorporates all prosecutions in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
I then visited the Judges at Leicester Crown Court to discuss matters with them.
I also visited the University of Leicester Law School to hear about the voluntary work undertaken by young law students who provide free advice to the public, known as pro bono advice. As well as benefitting members of the public facing challenging problems with their housing or family situations, these students also benefit personally gaining experience while also giving back to the local community.
I am keen to work with the whole legal community.