Lord Falconer, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to the Government’s announcement that 86 courts are due to close, said:

“Labour has long argued that the costs of our courts need to be reduced and that we should look at alternative ways of bringing justice closer to people.

“Under the Tories access to justice has become unaffordable for many. It is key that Ministers make sure these closures do not lead to more people being denied justice.

“With many of the courts closed by the Tories in the last Parliament sitting empty for months and costing millions in upkeep, Ministers must also make sure that the disposal of future courts provide value for money for the taxpayer.”