I am working as part of the Shadow Justice Team to oppose these proposals.
They are presented as measures to address backlogs in our courts but they are a permanent curtailment to our long standing rights to trial by jury without any clear explanation as to difference this will actually make to the backlogs.
The plan would see jury trials temporarily suspended for non-violent and non-sexual offences where defendants would face a maximum sentence of three years if found guilty. This means some people would no longer be tried by a jury of their peers for these cases, even though that right has been a defining feature of our justice system for centuries.
Legal experts including the Criminal Bar Association, Bar Council, and Law Society have been clear that removing or restricting jury trials will not solve the court backlog. Better solutions include making more use of court sitting days, improving efficiency, and investing properly in recruiting and retaining more judges and advocates. These approaches would tackle delays without removing the public’s right to serve justice in their communities.
This week Parliament held an Opposition Day debate on these proposals, and you can read what I said in full here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026-01-07/debates/C9FEDD36-4BE9-423C-997A-206919EC8999/JuryTrials
I will continue to oppose any changes that weaken this cornerstone of our democracy, and I will push for policies that strengthen our courts, respect citizens’ rights, and uphold public trust.
Please be assured that I will continue to speak out on behalf of constituents who value justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
