Labour MP Catherine Atkinson has been elected Chair of the House of Commons Justice Committee, taking on one of Parliament’s most important scrutiny roles at a time when courts, prisons, probation and access to justice are all under significant pressure.
The Derby North MP was elected in a ballot of MPs and takes up the role with immediate effect. She will serve as Chair until the end of the Parliament.
Atkinson said:
“I’m grateful to MPs from across the House of Commons for electing me to be Chair of the Justice Select Committee.”
She added:
“With courts, prisons, probation and access to justice all under real pressure, rigorous parliamentary scrutiny matters more than ever.”
‘Important work ahead’
Atkinson said she wanted the Committee’s work to be constructive, evidence-led and informed by people with direct experience of the justice system.
She said:
“I look forward to working constructively with colleagues, listening to those with direct experience of the justice system and ensuring our work is led by evidence.”
The Justice Committee examines the work of the Ministry of Justice and its associated public bodies, scrutinising areas including prisons, sentencing, courts, probation, legal aid and access to justice.
Elected by MPs across the Commons
Four candidates were nominated for the chairmanship after nominations opened earlier this month.
The vacancy arose following the appointment of former committee chair Andy Slaughter as Solicitor General. Under Commons rules, the Justice Committee chairmanship is allocated to Labour, but the successful candidate is chosen by MPs from across the House.
Atkinson secured support from a number of Labour colleagues during the nomination process, including Mike Kane, Michelle Welsh, Lee Barron, Jess Asato, Seema Malhotra and Fabian Hamilton.
Major challenges facing justice system
Atkinson takes over at a particularly significant moment for justice policy.
The prison system continues to face pressure over capacity and rehabilitation, while the courts are dealing with substantial caseloads and delays. Probation services and access to legal representation are also likely to remain major areas of parliamentary scrutiny.
The Committee has the power to question ministers and senior officials, conduct inquiries, publish reports and make recommendations to government.
Atkinson’s emphasis on evidence and direct experience suggests she intends to ensure the voices of victims, legal professionals, prison staff, offenders, probation workers and others working across the justice system are reflected in its work.
Stronger parliamentary scrutiny
Her election was confirmed by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle alongside other new select committee chairs chosen this week.
For Atkinson, the role provides an important platform to help shape debate over how the justice system can become more effective, fair and sustainable.
Her message is that, with the justice system facing considerable pressures, Parliament must provide serious and constructive scrutiny — listening to those on the frontline and holding ministers to account for delivering reform.
