Justice Secretary David Lammy has defended controversial proposals to restrict access to jury trials as the Courts and Tribunals Bill faces a growing rebellion from Labour backbenchers. The government’s plan aims to reduce the significant backlog in the criminal justice system by introducing judge-only trials for certain offences and allowing magistrates to impose sentences of up to 18 months, an increase from the current 12-month limit.
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Mr Lammy argues that the reforms are necessary to ensure the justice system can function effectively, warning that delays are leaving victims waiting years for cases to be heard. Government projections suggest the Crown Court backlog could reach 125,000 cases by the end of the current parliament, with some trials already scheduled as far ahead as 2030. Ministers hope the proposed measures will help reduce delays before the next general election.
However, several Labour MPs have voiced strong opposition. Kingston-upon-Hull East MP Karl Turner, a former barrister, has criticised the plans to limit jury trials and is seeking support to defeat the proposals in Parliament. Legal groups have also expressed concern, with a letter organised by the Bar Council and signed by judges and lawyers arguing that the reforms are based on limited evidence and risk weakening a longstanding constitutional safeguard.
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Alongside the proposed legal changes, the government has also promoted wider modernisation within the courts system. Ministers have suggested that digital reforms, including the use of artificial intelligence to assist with note-taking and summarising judgments, could help reduce delays and improve efficiency across the justice system.
