Lammy Appeals to Labour MPs to Back Jury Trial Changes
David Lammy has called on Labour MPs to endorse his proposals to reduce the use of jury trials, despite opposition from some backbenchers who have threatened to rebel against the plans.
The justice secretary emphasized that these limits, along with other reforms, are necessary to address the increasing backlog of cases in crown courts.
He cautioned that without further measures, the current backlog, which stands at just under 80,000 cases, could escalate to 200,000 by 2035.
However, several Labour MPs have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposals, with three confirming their intention to vote against them ahead of an initial vote scheduled for Tuesday.
Details of the Proposed Changes
The measures, announced in December following a review by retired judge Sir Brian Leveson, aim to eliminate jury trials in England and Wales for offences likely to result in sentences of less than three years.
Volunteer community magistrates, who currently handle the majority of criminal cases, will assume additional responsibilities under the new system.
The reforms will also extend magistrates' authority to hear cases with a maximum sentencing range of up to 18 months. Additionally, a contingency power will be established to allow magistrates to impose sentences of up to two years, though this will be reserved for exceptional circumstances.
Lammy's Statement in the Commons
Introducing the legislation in the House of Commons, Lammy, who also serves as deputy prime minister, stated that the changes would free up "thousands of hearing days" in crown courts, enabling more serious cases to be prioritized.
"We have inherited a court system close to breaking point," Lammy said, referring to previous cuts to the justice department under Conservative governments. He added that the lengthy delays in hearing cases represent a source of "injustice."
Labour MPs' Opposition
Labour MPs Jon Trickett, Nadia Whittome, and John McDonnell have announced their plans to vote against the proposals during the initial vote.
Furthermore, over 40 Labour MPs have previously indicated they are unwilling to support the plans, with some potentially abstaining.
Nadia Whittome criticized the government's approach, describing it as a "short-termist cost-cutting measure, which will further entrench discrimination and inequality."
"The courts backlog was caused by chronic underfunding of our criminal justice system, not jury trials," Whittome added.
