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Written question asked by Julian Smith (Conservative) on Monday, 16 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. It was answered by Sarah Sackman (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Tribunals: Mediation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending existing rules on mediation in the civil courts to the tribunals system, in the context of proposed changes to the Office of the Senior President of Tribunals in the Courts and Tribunals Bill.

Answer

The Government recognises the value of mediation and other forms of dispute resolution in helping parties resolve disputes more swiftly and consensually. We continue to explore and assess the potential merits of dispute resolution across different jurisdictions, including tribunals.

However, any changes to the Tribunal Procedure Rules will be made by the Tribunal Procedure Committee, an independent statutory body, who are responsible for the making of rules that govern tribunal practice and procedure. The provisions in the Courts and Tribunals Bill relating to the office of the Senior President of Tribunals concern judicial leadership and do not alter day-to-day decision-making in tribunals cases.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
120791
Session
2024-26
Registered interest declared
Yes
Subjects
Civil proceedings Tribunals Mediation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk