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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Callum Parke

New justice secretary vows to be ‘ambitious’ to cut rising court backlog

Alex Norris Crown Court Baroness Carr Ellie Reeves Andy Slaughter
Justice Secretary Alex Norris and Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley attending the annual Judges' Service, which marks the start of the new legal year at Westminster Abbe - (PA)

The justice secretary has pledged to defend the independence of the judiciary and be "ambitious" in efforts to reduce Crown Court backlogs as he was officially sworn in as lord chancellor.

Speaking to the most senior judges across England and Wales, Alex Norris, the MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley, stated he would "bring with me a profound respect for the institutions that make our country great".

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