Rebel MP Hails Labour Climbdown On Scrapping Jury Trials After Backlash

A rebel MP has praised the government’s decision to ditch plans to scrap most jury trials.

In a major climbdown, justice secretary Alex Norris said he was overturning his predecessor David Lammy’s controversial policy, which sparked a furious backlash.

Under Lammy’s proposals, cases carrying a likely sentence of less than three years would be heard in front of a judge instead of a jury.

He said the drastic move was necessary to clear the huge courts backlog.

But the Ministry of Justice has announced that only some fraud and financial offences will now be allowed to be heard without a jury.

Norris said he decided to “change course” after hearing the “strength of feeling on the proposals”.

Karl Turner MP, who lost the Labour whip after he rebelled against Lammy’s plans, said he “strongly welcomed” the government U-turn.

He said: “I have consistently made the case that people facing serious criminal charges deserve the fundamental safeguard of a jury trial, and I am hugely grateful to Andy Burnham for his support during my campaign against David Lammy’s proposals.

“I also want to place on record my thanks to Alex Norris for engaging with me so positively and constructively.

“I will continue to press the government to ensure that any reforms to our criminal courts strengthen access to justice, protect the right to a fair trial and command the confidence of the public.”

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