An MP has called for a resolution to fix the "broken justice system" as more than 140 cases have been waiting two years to come to court.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott asked the Secretary of State for Justice what is being done to resolve the 1,000 outstanding cases at Ipswich Crown Court.  

He raised his question to the Shabana Mahmood in Parliament on Tuesday.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Shabana MahmoodLord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA) The MP told parliament the average case at Ipswich Crown Court takes 249 days to progress, with 144 cases unresolved for two years or more. 

The Minister assured Mr Abbott that steps were being taken to reduce the backlog the government inherited, including relocating cases, where appropriate, to Cambridge, and increasing the number of sitting days. 

Mr Abbott said: “Earlier this year it was reported that over 1,000 cases at Ipswich Crown Court were outstanding, with it taking on average more than eight months to be dealt with.

There is a large backlog at Ipswich Crown CourtThere is a large backlog at Ipswich Crown Court (Image: Newsquest) “Dozens upon dozens of cases had also been left unresolved for two years or more. 

“I am grateful to the Government for working urgently to deal with the unforgivable mess left by the Conservatives.

“It means justice will be delivered for people in Ipswich and Suffolk as we look to fix our broken criminal justice system.” 

In response to Mr Abbott’s question, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, Heidi Alexander said: “As we have made clear, Mr Speaker, the Government is fully committed to bearing down on the Crown Court case loads.  

“To relieve pressure on Ipswich Crown Court in particular, the Southeast region has begun sending appropriate cases to Cambridge Crown Court for hearing. 

“Nationally, we have increased the number of Crown Court sitting days to 106,500 – 500 more than was agreed by the previous Lord Chancellor.” 

A spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunal Service previously commented on the movement of cases to Cambridge and said: “This will only affect cases from areas in the west of the region, ensuring minimal disruption to those involved in trial.”