Sadiq Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas’s comments on defendants appearing via Skype, said:

“I am shocked by this suggestion. Defendants appearing via Skype from the comfort of their own living room for their trial is taking justice on the cheap to a new low.

“Somebody charged with a criminal offence is not a vulnerable victim or a witness, so there should no special dispensation for them. It’s ridiculous that defendants should be given the option of avoiding their day in the dock whilst witnesses, including the victim, have made the effort to go to court.
 
“We should do all we can to reduce the cost of the administration - but not at the expense of justice being seen to be done. Being charged with a criminal offence is a serious matter and should be treated as such by the defendant. Victims will concerned at the trivialisation of our justice system.”