Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will closely review proposals — advanced under former justice secretary David Lammy — to reduce jury trials in England and Wales. The measures, part of the Courts and Tribunals Bill, would allow a single judge to try some offences with possible sentences of up to three years, intended to ease an estimated Crown Court backlog of around 80,000 cases. The plan has drawn strong opposition from barristers, legal bodies and dozens of MPs, who argue it risks undermining public confidence in the justice system. Burnham has paused related policies and begun talks to readmit critic MP Karl Turner to the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Burnham to Review Controversial Plan to Cut Jury Trials Amid Crown Court Backlog
[PA Media]
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has voiced concerns about proposals to reduce the number of jury trials in England and Wales and said he will review the measures in detail before confirming any changes.
What’s Under Review
The draft measures, introduced under former justice secretary David Lammy and included in the Courts and Tribunals Bill, would allow a single judge to try certain offences that currently receive juries — specifically cases where a convicted defendant faces a custodial sentence of up to three years. Mr Lammy argued the change would help tackle the Crown Court backlog.
Backlog and Rationale
The Crown Court backlog has reached record levels, estimated at around 80,000 cases, producing delays so severe that some defendants charged today could wait years for trial. Proponents say removing juries from lower‑severity cases could speed proceedings and free up court capacity.
Strong Opposition From Legal Community And MPs
However, the proposals have met sustained resistance from many barristers, legal bodies and dozens of MPs who warn the move risks undermining public confidence and eroding a fundamental safeguard. Kirsty Brimelow KC, head of the Bar Council, has urged the prime minister to back away from the planned reduction in jury trials, saying evidence suggests it is unnecessary and could be counterproductive.
"Examination of the evidence shows that reducing jury trials is not required to reduce the backlog of cases and, in fact, could be counter-productive," Kirsty Brimelow KC said.
Mark Evans, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, called for a "comprehensive, whole-system plan" focused on investment in people, buildings and technology rather than measures that could compromise safeguards. Conservative shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy urged MPs to oppose the changes, describing juries as a key "safeguard between the citizen and the state."
Political Fallout and Procedural Pauses
Mr Burnham has since dismissed David Lammy from his role and has paused related measures, including an early-release scheme for prisoners. He also said he has started the process of readmitting Hull East MP Karl Turner — a former barrister and prominent critic of the reforms — to the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Turner was among 38 MPs who signed a letter condemning the plans as an "erosion of a fundamental right." He had his Labour whip suspended earlier in the year amid disputes described publicly as relating to behaviour toward colleagues; Turner maintains the suspension was linked to his criticism of the jury reforms.
Next Steps
Mr Burnham said he wants to "really look in detail" at the draft measures as part of the Courts and Tribunals Bill and "get inside these issues" before confirming any inherited plans, indicating potential amendments or a rethink. The proposals remain live in Parliament, but the new prime minister’s review increases the likelihood of changes before any final passage into law.
Key voices: Bar Council (Kirsty Brimelow KC), Law Society (Mark Evans), opponents among Labour MPs (including Karl Turner), and Conservative critics who urge cross-party resistance.
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