Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley and barrister, today hosted a high-level roundtable in Parliament to advance discussions on reforming the family justice system. The event brought together leading figures from across the legal and judicial landscape, including:
- Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council
- Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of the Magistrates Association
- Adam Chaddock, Policy Lead at the Magistrates Association
- Andy Slaughter MP, Chair of the Justice Select Committee
- As well as representatives from prominent legal charities and the Family Law Division.
The roundtable served as a vital forum for candid, expert-led dialogue on the challenges within the current family courts system, particularly regarding the role of magistrates in private law children’s cases. Dr Shastri-Hurst’s initiative continues to build momentum, uniting parliamentarians, legal professionals, and key stakeholders in a shared mission to ensure a more equitable and child-focused approach within the family justice framework.
Today’s roundtable follows Neil’s adjournment debate on reforming the role of magistrates in private law children’s cases, and his article in the House Magazine on ‘The outdated practice of magistrates hearing private law children’s cases must be abolished’.
Following the meeting, Dr Shastri-Hurst said:
I am deeply grateful to all those who participated in today’s discussions and contributed their invaluable expertise. The current framework governing private law children’s cases demands urgent review. These proceedings shape a child’s future and carry lifelong consequences for all parties involved.
It is increasingly apparent that a fundamental inconsistency exists in how such cases are case managed and adjudicated. For matters of such sensitivity and significance, it is only right that decisions be made by those with the appropriate training and expertise to ensure consistency, fairness, and above, outcomes that place the welfare of the child at their core.
A key issue raised was the need to reform gatekeeping the first stage families encounter when separating. This process determines how cases are handled and what support is provided. Too often, it lacks consistency and safeguards, leading to delays and poor outcomes. Reform is needed to ensure early triage by experienced professionals, directing families to the right path legal, therapeutic, or mediated while keeping children’s welfare at the centre and reducing pressure on the courts.
Attendees widely agreed on the need to strengthen early-stage interventions, such as mediation and arbitration, to reduce adversarial proceedings and promote better, child-centric resolutions outside of court.
Dr Shastri-Hurst concluded:
If we are to build a justice system that truly serves families and protects the most vulnerable, we must ensure that it is fit for purpose. Reform is not only necessary, it is a moral imperative.
