US EditionRethink plans for jury trials, thousands of lawyers tell Starmer
A coalition including 22 retired judges warns the reforms risk eroding constitutional rights with minimal impact on court delays, despite government claims of reducing backlog by 35,000 cases.
- On Monday, more than 3,200 lawyers urged the prime minister to halt plans to restrict jury trials as MPs prepare to vote on the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
- The government says shifting more cases to magistrates would ease the Crown Court backlog and, with other investment, reduce demand by around 84,000 cases to 49,000 by 2035.
- The group, which includes 22 retired judges and more than 300 senior barristers, say the plans erode constitutional principles and the Institute for Government finds jury limits save less than 2% of court time.
- Victims' commissioner Claire Waxman has urged MPs to back the plans, while a group of 40 female Labour MPs urged Lammy to remain steadfast as internal divisions emerged and Lammy consulted chief whip Jonathan Reynolds.
- Experts caution that under the proposals only the most serious cases such as rape, murder and manslaughter would preserve jury trial rights, while international comparison on jury use shows few rely on a single judge for verdict and sentence, raising concerns the reforms could backfire.
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9 Articles
David Lammy claims criminals will be let loose on Britain's streets if Labour MPs revolt on jury reform
Justice Secretary David Lammy has warned Labour MPs who rebel against his plan to scrap jury trials risk letting criminals walk free.Mr Lammy, who is bracing for a showdown with Labour MPs in the House of Commons today, insisted limiting jury services to the most heinous offences will help bring down the record court backlogs of nearly 80,000 cases and reduce the delays of up to five years currently faced by victims.Rejecting the suggestion the …
Sky News UK
Great Yorkshire RadioRethink plans for jury trials, thousands of lawyers tell Starmer
Ministers are being warned their plans will save less than 2% of court time. But they think they can make inroads into a huge backlog and scores of female Labour MPs want them to press on.
Government’s jury trial reforms risk worsening criminal justice system performance
Government’s jury trial reforms risk worsening criminal justice system performance melissa.ittoo Mon, 09/03/2026 - 16:47 The government is right to address the dire situation facing criminal courts but there is considerable uncertainty attached to the proposed reforms. 2 Press release Institute for Government Yes Public services Criminal justice Public sector Prisons Public spending Labour Starmer government Ministry of Justice No The governme…
Traitors barristers and Judge Rinder join over 3,000 lawyers urging government to ditch jury trial reforms
Bill backlash More than 3,000 lawyers have urged Sir Keir Starmer to drop plans to restrict jury trials for some Crown Court cases, with retired judges, former Bar Council chairs and a former Director of Public Prosecutions joining a growing backlash against the proposal. In a letter to the Prime Minister, 3,236 legal professionals warn ministers not to waste time and money “attempting to force through an unpopular, untested and poorly evidenced…
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