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David Lammy lifts cap on court sitting days in effort to cut backlog of cases

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Rajeev Syal Home affairs editorFebruary 24, 2026 at 01:01 AM
David Lammy lifts cap on court sitting days in effort to cut backlog of cases
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Justice Secretary David Lammy announced the removal of the cap on court sitting days in England and Wales to address the backlog of at least 80,000 criminal cases. The move, effective in the next financial year, allows crown courts to hear more cases without limits. This decision follows discussions with the Lady Chief Justice and is supported by a £2.8 billion settlement for courts and tribunals in 2026/27, including £287 million for court repairs. While criminal barristers welcomed the change as a significant step, the Law Society noted it may not be enough to clear the backlog or fix infrastructure issues. Further announcements are expected from Lammy, focusing on efficiencies like remote hearings.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context
Sir Brian Leveson 30% Justice 40% Fiona Rutherford 40% Law Society 40% Riel Karmy-Jones KC 50% Andrew Thomas KC 50% Criminal Bar Association 60% Sue Carr 60% United Kingdom 70% Wales 70% Ministry of Justice 80% David Lammy ×390%

Keywords

court sitting days 100% cases backlog 90% crown court 80% criminal justice system 70% funding package 60% ministry of justice 50% jury trials 50% remote hearings 40%

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Positive
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Source
The Guardian - World News
Classification Confidence
90%
Geographic Perspective
England

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court sitting dayscases backlogcrown courtcriminal justice systemfunding packageministry of justicejury trialsremote hearings
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