On 19th November 2025, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP held a constructive meeting with Baroness Levitt KC, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, to discuss the pressing need for meaningful reform of the family courts. The meeting follows his Adjournment Debate earlier in the year, as well as the cross-party roundtable he convened to draw national attention to the challenges faced by families navigating the current system.
Following the meeting, Dr Shastri-Hurst said:
"I was pleased to have a productive discussion with Baroness Levitt KC about the steps we must take to ensure that our family courts deliver timely, fair and consistent outcomes for children and parents alike. It is clear that there is broad agreement across Parliament that the status quo is not good enough."
During their conversation, Dr Shastri-Hurst and Baroness Levitt explored several areas where reform is urgently needed. They discussed the expansion of Pathfinder Courts so that more families can benefit from an investigative, problem-solving approach that places the welfare of the child at its heart. They also examined the potential for wider use of alternative dispute resolution, recognising the value it brings in reducing conflict and relieving unnecessary pressure on the courts. In addition, they considered how to improve consistency in gatekeeping so that cases are triaged more effectively from the outset, enabling swifter and more proportionate case management.
Dr Shastri-Hurst added:
"The Government must now build on the momentum generated this year by MPs, peers and practitioners who are united in their commitment to improving outcomes for children. I will continue working across the House to ensure that long-overdue reform of our family courts is delivered."
