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A prominent Labour Member of Parliament has strongly urged Justice Secretary David Lammy to abandon proposals aimed at reducing the number of jury trials in England and Wales, which are intended to alleviate the backlog in courts. Karl Turner criticized the plans as “undemocratic” and challenged the notion that they would effectively reduce delays. Speaking to the BBC, he stated, “It’s undemocratic. It is not about reducing the backlog. It is untruthful to say that it is. David Lammy, please God, stop what you’re doing.” Turner, once the shadow attorney general, joins other Labour MPs who have voiced concerns over removing jury trials for cases likely to result in sentences under three years.
The Conservative party has expressed alarm about the proposed changes, describing them as signaling the “beginning of the end of jury trials.” Conversely, Lammy defends the reforms as both “bold” and “necessary.” According to the plans, only indictable-only offences such as murder and rape, along with other offences expected to lead to prison terms exceeding three years, would proceed with jury trials. Volunteer community magistrates, typically responsible for the majority of criminal cases, would assume a larger caseload while new “swift courts” would be introduced to manage cases more efficiently. Lammy has claimed this revamped system could process cases about 20% faster than the current jury trial system.
Turner, appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live with Matt Chorley, disputed the justification for the reforms, describing the government’s announcement as “fundamentally dishonest.” He argued that the court backlog is not due to the jury system but rather stems from other issues such as inadequate courtroom facilities and outdated technology. Labeling the plan as unworkable, Turner warned that sticking with these reforms could force ministers into a humiliating retreat. He implored Lammy to “get a grip” and abandon what he called a “stupid idea.”
Labour opposition to the plans is intensifying, with at least six MPs supporting Turner’s motion to oppose the changes, including former shadow chancellor John McDonnell. Other notable voices within the party have spoken out publicly. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Clapham, argued that eliminating jury trials threatens a fundamental aspect of British justice: “the right to have your case heard by fellow citizens.” She emphasized the need for investment and reform to address court backlogs rather than removing key legal protections. Additionally, MPs Stella Creasy, Clive Efford, and Richard Burgon expressed concerns, highlighting the risk of penalising working-class defendants, the minimal impact jury trials have on the backlog, and the unsettling implications the reforms carry. The proposals follow recommendations from former high-court judge Sir Brian Leveson’s review, suggesting the establishment of a new intermediate court to handle most offences with sentences up to five years, with jury trials reserved for fewer cases
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