Starmer indicates he will not U-turn on plan to scrap some jury trials

Keir Starmer is standing firm on his plan to scrap some jury trials in England and Wales, despite opposition from legal experts and members of his own party. He argues this is crucial to addressing the significant backlog of 80,000 cases, particularly for victims of violence against women and girls who are facing extensive delays. Starmer believes the long wait times are causing victims to lose faith in the justice system. The proposed reforms, championed by Justice Secretary David Lammy, include judge-only trials for certain offenses and a new criminal court where judges will hear cases alone. Critics argue the reforms undermine a fundamental principle of the justice system, but Starmer insists the changes are necessary to deliver timely justice.

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