Female Labour MPs Urge Lammy to Stay Firm on Court Reforms
A coalition of 34 female Labour MPs has penned a letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, urging him to remain steadfast in his pursuit of sweeping court reforms. The group, which includes former ministers Ashley Dalton and Anneliese Dodds, as well as MPs Jess Asato, Natalie Fleet, and Antonia Bance, emphasized that the changes "cannot come soon enough" and warned against allowing the Government to be "blown off course."
Urgent Call for Justice System Overhaul
In the letter, seen by The Mirror, the MPs highlighted their personal experiences with a justice system they argue is failing women and girls across the country. They pointed to two critical failures: the agonising and rising waiting lists in courts, and the appallingly low conviction rates for rape and serious sexual violence. The MPs noted that a woman reporting domestic abuse today might face a trial delay until 2030, a situation they described as "intolerable."
The letter states: "We know from our personal experiences the ways in which our justice system is failing women and girls across this country. Too many women’s lives depend on it."
Support for Specific Reforms
The MPs expressed support for Lammy's proposed measures under the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which is back before Parliament this week. Key reforms include scrapping thousands of jury trials annually to speed up cases and tackle backlogs. They also welcomed plans to change the law on 'bad character' evidence in rape cases, aiming to bust "rape myths" that deny justice to many women.
Additionally, the group praised the decision to repeal the presumption of parental contact in family cases, which has allowed violent fathers access to children. This change follows campaigning by Claire Throssell, whose sons were killed by their father despite her warnings.
Broader Implications and Labour's Commitment
The MPs called for a less patriarchal justice system, noting that many women feel the trial process is worse than the violation they suffered. They shared that survivors often report being treated as if they were the accused, rather than as victims.
A Labour source commented: "Labour is committed to halving violence against women and girls, and our court modernisation agenda, backed with investment, is a key pillar in this effort. This letter shows the strength of feeling among Labour’s women MPs from across the party who support our courts bill—legislation that will put victims first."
The MPs concluded their message by reinforcing the urgency of the reforms, stating that the changes are vital for improving the justice system and protecting vulnerable women and girls nationwide.
