Labour MP who was groomed asks colleagues to back judge-only trials

Labour MP Natalie Fleet, a survivor of grooming and rape, is urging colleagues to support judge-only trials to address the backlog of rape cases and prevent criminals from exploiting the system. She argues that the current system deters survivors from reporting sexual assault due to lengthy delays, while drug dealers use jury trials to prolong their freedom. Fleet is backing David Lammy's proposals for a new criminal court system featuring judge-only trials for complex fraud cases and magistrates-only hearings for less serious offenses. Her call comes amid significant opposition from the legal profession and some Labour MPs who fear the changes will negatively impact justice. Fleet specifically criticized the "barrister class and lawyer lobby" for not prioritizing the needs of crime victims.

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