Wantage MP Robert Jackson has called for more support for lay magistrates following the downgrading of the town's court.
The Conservative MP paid tribute to "selfless" justices of the peace.
Robert JacksonThe former science minister joined other MPs in signing an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons expressing support for voluntary magistrates.
Mr Jackson opposed last year's decision to end regular sessions at Wantage Magistrates' Court.
The MP said: "Recent years have seen wave upon wave of reorganisation of the magistracy and magistrates' courts.
"The tendency in all of this is to remove justice further and further from local communities including Wantage.
"In the context of all this bureaucratic organisation there has been talk of downgrading the role of lay JPs.
"I am happy to associate myself with a parliamentary campaign to endorse and support their role, and the very important contribution they make to local life."
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