Prisoner Escapes, Venezuela and the Opening of Palestine's Embassy

Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter at the Chiswick Calendar awards

January 9, 2026

It has been a busy first week back after Christmas recess and great to start with the launch of the Justice Committee’s newest inquiry on access to justice. This week the session focussed on legal aid and sector sustainability, and we heard evidence from Rohini Jana, Director of Policy for Legal Aid Practitioners, Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of Bar Council and Richard Miller, Head of Justice at The Law Society. It was a very interesting session with lots for the Committee to consider as we move through the inquiry and eventually write our report for the government to consider.

On Monday I spoke in the Chamber about prisoner escapes and questioned the rationale of moving prisoners into open prisons sooner in their sentences to ease overcrowding in the prison estate. I also asked a question about the US intervention in Venezuela and if the government has its own analysis on whether the acts of US forces comply with the rule of law.

I attended the official opening of the Palestinian Embassy this week, located in the constituency. The embassy was opened by Ambassador Husam Zomlot and 14-year-old Obeida, who was evacuated to the UK for medical treatment after losing two of his limbs in Israeli bombings. I spoke about the opening of the embassy and asked the minister about the ongoing issue of Israeli settlements.

On Wednesday there was a debate on jury trials and the government’s plans to restrict juries in cases where the anticipated sentence will be three years or less. As chair of the Justice Committee, I understand the pressures on our courts and the need to bring down the backlogs that impede cases from going to trial as a matter of urgency.

There is no perfect solution, and any move to tackle the backlog will have gains and losses, but where we draw the line between jury trial and other modes of trial is a matter of degree and judgment, not of legal or moral principle.

The Justice Committee visited two prisons this week, Feltham Young Offender Institution and HMP Bronzefield – the largest women’s prison in Europe and considered an example of how prisons can be run well. As ever, I am incredibly grateful to all those who spoke with the Committee members and I and gave us insight into life and work in the prisons.

Lastly, I was delighted to present the Chiswick Calendar Awards this week, including awards for Mayor of Hounslow Amy Croft and retiring councillor John Todd - both two of the best community champions Chiswick has.

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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