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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that the government will proceed with its plan to reduce the number of jury trials in England and Wales by half. This decision stems from his commitment to victims of crime, promising to address the significant delays in the justice system. The measures aim to tackle the substantial backlog of court cases that have accumulated, particularly worsened during the Covid pandemic.
Despite these intentions, the proposal has sparked dissent within the Labour Party, with numerous MPs opposing the changes. Critics warn that transitioning to judge-only trials for less serious offenses risks eroding public confidence in the legal system and may have minimal effect on the case backlog. When asked whether he might reconsider the plans under such pressure, Sir Keir emphasized that reducing court delays is a fundamental principle for him, especially given his background as a former prosecutor.
While en route to Beijing for discussions with President Xi Jinping, Sir Keir remarked on the lengthy wait victims face, stating, “I’ve been working with victims of crime for a very long time, and they have to wait too long for justice.” He further stressed his personal commitment, saying, “I have given my word to campaigners on violence against women and girls and to victims that I will do everything within my power to make sure they get justice.” Highlighting the scale of the issue, he pointed out that only around 3% of criminal cases currently go to jury trials, with the proposed changes resulting in just a slight reduction of that number.
Recent data from the Ministry of Justice highlights a backlog exceeding 79,600 criminal cases in the courts, marking a record since early 2023, and it is expected to reach 100,000 by 2028. This backlog means that serious crimes charged in 2026 may not be tried until years later, possibly after 2030. The Ministry has calculated that nearly half of the current jury trials could be handled by magistrates or a judge sitting alone. Under the proposals, defendants facing sentences of three years or less would no longer have the option to choose jury trials, and appeals against magistrates’ verdicts would face tighter restrictions. However, the most severe cases, including murder, robbery, and rape, would remain eligible for jury trials.
Despite efforts such as David Lammy’s recruitment campaign for more volunteer magistrates, concerns persist. Several Labour MPs have voiced opposition, and all major opposition parties are expected to challenge the reforms. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the plan, stating it “risks fairness, undermines public trust, and erodes the very foundation of our justice system.” Karl Turner, a former criminal barrister and one of the few Labour rebels against the proposals, accused the government of prioritizing cost-cutting over justice, saying, “David Lammy has no backbone and Keir Starmer should be utterly ashamed of himself for allowing Lammy to fall for this civil servant’s trick.” He demands an immediate reversal, echoing past government U-turns. The backlog and delays have been attributed to a shortage of criminal lawyers, inefficient court administration, and a long-standing failure to invest adequately in court infrastructure and technology
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