Lammy urges Labour MPs to back jury trial cuts

"The justice secretary said the limits, along with other changes, were required to stem a growing backlog of cases in crown courts. He warned that without further action, the current backlog could jump from just under 80,000 cases currently to 200,000 by 2035."

"The measures, announced in December after a review by a retired judge Sir Brian Leveson, would scrap jury trials in England and Wales for crimes that carry a likely sentence of less than three years. Volunteer community magistrates, who deal with the majority of all criminal cases, will take on more work."

"Speaking in the Commons as he introduced legalisation to deliver the changes, Lammy, also the deputy prime minister, said they would free up 'thousands of hearing days' in the crown courts for more serious cases to be heard. He added that Labour had inherited a court system 'close to breaking point' after previous cuts to the justice department under the Conservatives."

Justice Secretary David Lammy is appealing to Labour MPs to support proposals that would limit jury trials in England and Wales for crimes carrying sentences under three years. The measures aim to reduce a growing crown court backlog, which could reach 200,000 cases by 2035 from the current 80,000. Community magistrates would handle more cases, with expanded sentencing powers up to 18 months, with a reserve power to sentence up to two years. The changes would free up thousands of hearing days for serious cases. However, some Labour backbenchers oppose the plans, with three MPs pledging to vote against them and over 40 others potentially abstaining, citing concerns about justice system impacts.

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