Hansard

Courts: Sharia Law

Volume 687: debated on Monday 18 December 2006

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Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the impact of the establishment of Sharia courts in the United Kingdom. [HL590]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs
(Baroness Ashton of Upholland)

Sharia law has no jurisdiction in England and Wales. There are, however, a number of Sharia councils in England and Wales that, on a private basis where the parties consent, deal with the mediation and resolution of personal and contractual disputes. These councils are not part of the court system. In all cases, parties will always have recourse to the UK courts.