David Lammy's proposed reforms to the courts system have passed their first Commons hurdle, despite criticism from Labour backbenchers who accused him of using victims' experiences as a 'cudgel' to push through changes. The Courts and Tribunals Bill was approved by 304 votes to 203, a majority of 101, at its second reading on Tuesday.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary argued that the reforms are essential to tackle rising court backlogs, warning that without action the backlog could reach 200,000 cases in a decade. 'Victims are currently worn down, people simply give up, cases collapse and offenders remain free,' he told MPs.
Labour MP Charlotte Nichols spoke publicly for the first time about being raped, criticising the government's narrative. She said: 'Experiences like mine feel like they've been weaponised and are being used for rhetorical misdirection.' She opposed the plan to limit jury trials to cases where a sentence of three years or more is likely, with others heard by a single crown court judge.
Ten Labour MPs voted against the Bill, while 90 had no vote recorded. Karl Turner, MP for Kingston upon Hull East, branded the changes 'unworkable, unpopular, unjust and unnecessary'. However, Labour MP Natalie Fleet supported the government, saying: 'You know what's worse than being raped? Facing years of waiting to see if people believe you.'
