Labour lawyers ‘blocked’ from briefing MPs on jury trials overhaul before vote

Ahead of a key vote on a government bill to reduce jury trials in England and Wales, allegations have surfaced that Labour lawyers were prevented from briefing Labour MPs about their concerns. The Society of Labour Lawyers (SLL), an affiliate of the Labour party, reportedly opposes the bill, which would shift thousands of cases from jury trials to judge-only or magistrate hearings, but was allegedly blocked from sharing their position with MPs. Karl Turner, a Labour MP leading opposition to the bill, claims the block came under pressure from ministers. The government argues the changes are needed to reduce a growing backlog of cases, and some Labour MPs support the reforms, citing failures of the justice system. The bill has faced internal opposition from both government and Labour MPs, and a significant number of Labour backbenchers may abstain or vote against it at a later stage.

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