Founder of Starmer's Chambers Denounces Government's Jury Trial Reduction Plans
Geoffrey Robertson KC, the founder of Sir Keir Starmer's former barristers' chambers, has launched a scathing attack on Government proposals to curb access to jury trials. In a 31-page polemic published on the Bar Council website, Robertson accused the Labour Party of "taking an axe to a piece of English heritage" and described the plans as a "betrayal" of Labour values.
A "Cure Worse Than the Disease"
Robertson, who co-founded Doughty Street Chambers where Sir Keir Starmer and Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer once worked, argued that the reforms represent a "cure worse than the disease." In his document titled For Mercy's Sake, published on Monday, he stated: "Attacking juries must be regarded as a betrayal of the values for which Labour purports to stand."
He elaborated: "Given its record of support for progressive causes, for free speech and peaceful political protests, the bill does seem a betrayal of Labour traditions and values. MPs who vote in favour will be on the wrong side of their party's own history."
Proposed Changes to the Justice System
Under the Government's proposals, which follow recommendations from retired Court of Appeal judge Sir Brian Leveson's review published last year:
- Cases with a likely sentence of three years or less would be heard by a single crown court judge
- Magistrates would potentially deal with cases with a likely sentence of up to two years
Robertson warned that these reforms are unlikely to achieve their stated aim of easing the courts backlog. He explained that every case tried without a jury would require written reasoning from judges, making those judges unavailable to hear other cases during that time.
"These considerations – and there are others – will impede the work of reducing the backlog," Robertson cautioned. "Once Leveson is seen for what it requires of court time and resources, jury removal may well be a cure worse than the disease."
Political Dissent and Backlash
The Courts and Tribunals Bill cleared its first Commons hurdle last month despite significant dissent on Labour back benches. Charlotte Nichols, MP for Warrington North, spoke publicly for the first time about being raped as she criticized the proposals, saying "experiences like mine feel like they've been weaponised and are being used for rhetorical misdirection."
Meanwhile, Kingston upon Hull MP Karl Turner, a qualified barrister who has been an outspoken critic of the proposals, lost the Labour whip last month. The Press Association understands he was informed by Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds of the suspension "following his recent conduct," though Turner said he wanted a "full explanation" and believed the move was linked to his stance on the reforms.
Government Defense of the Reforms
A Ministry of Justice source defended the proposals, stating: "The criminal justice system we inherited is on the brink of collapse. Years of inaction by the Tories have created a system that is no longer fit for purpose, where justice delayed has become justice denied."
The source continued: "Only a combination of investment, modernisation and reform can turn the tide on the backlog before the end of the Parliament. As Sir Brian Leveson has made clear: 'More money and efficiency measures alone will not be sufficient.'"
"That is why our approach pulls every lever – investment, reform and modernisation – to stabilise the system and begin to turn the corner on the rising backlog by the end of this Parliament. The alternative to this package is the Tory status quo: continued drift, collapsed trials, and victims walking away from the system entirely."
The Ministry of Justice concluded: "Instead, this Labour Government, led by its values, chooses a system that works for victims, providing brave survivors with the 21st-century justice they deserve."
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, who was made an associate tenant at Doughty Street Chambers in 2020, now finds himself at the center of this contentious debate as he pushes forward with reforms that have drawn criticism from within his own professional circles.
