Jess Brown-Fuller MP welcomes permanent reopening of Chichester Crown Court

Jess Brown-Fuller MP has welcomed confirmation that Chichester Crown Court will reopen permanently, securing its future as a vital part of the justice system in West Sussex.

Chichester Crown Court, the only Crown Court in West Sussex, was closed in 2018 before being used intermittently in recent years as part of the government’s Nightingale Court programme. The latest announcement confirms that the court will now return to full-time, permanent use.

Jess has repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, calling for the court to be reinstated to help tackle delays and improve access to justice for local communities. In November 2025, she wrote to the Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy, calling for the reopening of Chichester Crown Court.

Jess Brown-Fuller celebrates the reopening of Chichester Crown Court.

Following the announcement, Jess said:

“I’m delighted that Chichester Crown Court will reopen permanently. As the only Crown Court in West Sussex, it has a crucial role to play in reducing backlogs and ensuring victims receive timely justice.”

Jess will continue to campaign for further investment in local justice services, including the reopening of the custody centre in Chichester, to ensure the system works effectively for residents across the constituency.