Up to 90 Labour MPs are reportedly considering blocking the government's plans to reduce the number of jury trials in England and Wales, according to backbench MP Karl Turner. The plans, announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy in December, would see thousands of cases heard by judges and magistrates instead of juries, aiming to tackle a growing court backlog.
Turner, who leads the rebellion, claimed that the Society of Labour Lawyers (SLL) was blocked from briefing Labour MPs on their concerns about the Courts and Tribunals Bill. The SLL, one of the party's oldest affiliates, reportedly discussed the issue at its executive committee last Friday and considers the measures a 'terrible mistake'. Turner alleged that pressure from ministers prevented the SLL from sharing its position.
Lammy addressed the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday evening, appealing to colleagues' sense of social justice. He described the current situation as 'a molten moment for the British state', arguing that after 14 years of Conservative rule, the courts are collapsing. He emphasised that delays disproportionately affect the vulnerable, such as remand prisoners and survivors of sexual violence.
While a major clash may be averted on Tuesday, many Labour backbenchers could abstain or vote against the bill at a later stage. Turner expressed hope of stripping out contentious aspects during the bill's report stage. The position of former minister Angela Rayner is being closely watched.
Supporters of the measures include over 30 female Labour MPs, who wrote to Lammy urging him not to back down, citing the failure of the justice system for women and girls. Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman also intervened, warning that trial dates as late as 2030 are causing profound human cost. She asked victims whether they would prefer to wait for a jury trial or accept a judge for swifter justice.
Critics include barrister Chris Moran, who published an open letter resigning from Labour over the plans, calling them 'unprincipled, counter-productive and shameful constitutional vandalism'. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said the government inherited a court system on the brink of collapse.
