House of Commons · Urgent Question
09 July 2025 · 29 other contributors
Opened by Robert Jenrick Con Newark
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Robert Jenrick raised concerns about trial by jury proposed restrictions 2025-07-09 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government's plans to restrict trial by jury through the creation of a Crown court bench division and related sentencing changes, given that this could undermine centuries-old constitutional principles for minimal impact on backlogs? The MP expresses concern over the erosion of public trust in the justice system and calls for an end to further sentencing discounts.
Question
The MP questions the proposed sentencing discounts for certain crimes, stating that serving a fifth of sentences could be unjust. He also raises concerns about out-of-court settlements and the potential scrapping of jury trials, arguing it undermines constitutional principles.
Minister reply
The Minister responds by emphasising the Government's commitment to tackling court backlogs through serious analysis of Sir Brian Leveson’s report, additional funding (£450 million), and increased court sitting days (110,000 annually). She argues that while jury trials remain central for serious cases, efficiency measures are necessary to ensure timely justice.
Question
The MP acknowledges the comprehensive report on the state of criminal justice and questions whether intermediate courts will be effective in addressing backlogs.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that investment and reform are necessary. She highlights current investments (£92 million for legal aid) and structural reforms based on Sir Brian Leveson’s recommendations to ensure a sustainable, proportionate system delivering swifter justice.
Question
The MP questions the efficacy of intermediate courts in addressing backlogs and expresses concern about undermining jury trials for speed.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterates that while juryless trials can be swifter, they will only apply to non-serious cases. She emphasises listening to voices from within the justice system who support these changes.
Question
The MP supports trial by jury as a fundamental concept but stresses the need to restore public faith in timely justice.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that timely justice is crucial and quotes Magna Carta to emphasise the state's obligation to ensure fair trials. She notes that delays can retraumatize victims, making swift justice essential.
Question
Does the Minister agree that tackling the Crown court backlog requires fundamental reform rather than just adding more sitting days?
Minister reply
The crisis in our criminal courts is intolerable, and we need radical structural reform to address it. The Government will consider Sir Brian Leveson's recommendations carefully over the summer.
Question
Does the Minister agree that increasing early guilty plea discounts risks undermining trust in the criminal justice system and should we avoid creating intermediate courts at a cost of £35 million?
Minister reply
We owe gratitude to Sir Brian Leveson for his comprehensive review. We will consider all recommendations carefully, ensuring they knit together with other reviews to deliver swift justice and maintain public confidence.
Question
Does the Minister agree that a sunset clause should be considered for Sir Brian's recommendations if they work, allowing us to potentially increase jury service again?
Minister reply
We are committed to restoring our criminal justice system. All considerations will be taken into account as we review Sir Brian’s recommendations over the summer.
Question
Before restricting jury trials, has the Minister considered understanding the utilisation of jurors to see how many are being used effectively?
Minister reply
We need to look at system capacity including judicial time, prosecutors and defence lawyers. Magistrates courts deliver cases faster than Crown courts, which is why we focus on whole-system reform.
Question
What is the Department doing to ensure victims of crime feel confident in reporting crimes and getting the outcome they want?
Minister reply
We are focused on delivering swift justice for victims. We have invested in victims' services and will strengthen the victims code, carefully considering Sir Brian’s recommendations.
Question
Can the Minister guarantee that we will not follow a US-style plea bargaining system with a 40% discount for pleading guilty?
Minister reply
We will look carefully at Sir Brian’s recommendations but our law is robust. We are focused on having a justice system capable of enforcing the law.
Question
What specific actions is this Labour Government taking to get justice for victims quicker, given last year's high number of rape cases dropped due to delays?
Minister reply
We have invested in victims’ services and are strengthening the victims code. We will carefully review Sir Brian’s recommendations to bring down backlogs.
Question
Does the Minister recognise that proposals to merge local justice areas may further disrupt justice in Wales, despite magistrates courts already being under significant stress?
Minister reply
We will carefully consider local links and ensure any changes interlock properly. We need whole-system reform from beginning to end.
Question
The Minister talks about being tough on crime but her party allowed the prisons to run hot and added only 500 prison places in 14 years. How will they rebuild the criminal justice system with a lack of investment?
Minister reply
We are committed to rebuilding the criminal justice system by delivering tough reforms, investing in prisons and courts, and tackling backlogs that have become irrecoverable under previous governments. Our reforms aim for swifter justice, more sustainable operations, and better public confidence.
Question
After 14 years of Conservative government, victims are waiting years to see justice in cases of rape and serious sexual crimes. When will the Minister acknowledge who broke the criminal justice system?
Minister reply
Victims' voices tell us that urgent reforms are needed due to record backlogs and delays caused by a lack of investment. We take this seriously, aiming for swifter justice and better public confidence through radical reform.
Question
I have caution about stripping back jury trials; will the Government invest in court capacity, support rehabilitation to reduce reoffending, address root causes of crime, and consider US court systems for next-day hearings on domestic abuse cases?
Minister reply
We are considering all options including intensive supervision courts and tackling root causes of crime. We will learn from other systems while building a sustainable and innovative justice system that the public can trust.
Question
Does the Minister agree with former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk's recommendation to reserve Crown court cases for serious matters and reduce triable either way cases?
Minister reply
We are taking seriously recommendations from distinguished voices, including Sir Ian Burnett and the Victims’ Commissioner. We will engage in serious work to address the crisis and build a better justice system.
Question
Why has the Minister allowed efficiencies part of Leveson report to be delayed, which could bring forward recommendations for faster trials using new technology?
Minister reply
The hon. Member raises a helpful point about improving efficiency through technology, including AI transcription in tribunals. Sir Brian’s team is producing a detailed and well-evidenced report; we will develop policy thinking to improve the criminal justice system.
Question
Some say we are old school but I call it common sense. Criminals should be punished, and victims should get their day in court. Simply adding more sitting days is not realistic.
Minister reply
We agree that investment plus reform is necessary to address the crisis inherited from previous governments. We have added 4,000 additional sitting days over what was agreed by the previous government.
Question
Does the Minister accept that changes to fundamental rights like trial by jury in one part of UK could create divergence across jurisdictions and raise questions about equal access to justice for Northern Ireland citizens?
Minister reply
Justice is a devolved matter, but the state’s obligation to provide a fair trial remains paramount. The question of equal access to justice does not arise as long as someone's case is heard with appropriate judicial measures.
Question
Yesterday, local barristers in the south-west expressed concerns about forensics service delays and inefficiencies. Will this be focused on to improve court efficiency?
Minister reply
We will focus on improving forensic services and transfer mechanisms to bring prisoners into courts more efficiently as recommended by local barristers.
Question
As a member of the Bar, I say this plainly: removing the right to jury trials is a reckless constitutional shortcut. Does the Minister agree that the right to choose between a jury and a judge-led trial must never be denied?
Minister reply
I respect the hon. Gentleman but also the views of Sir Brian Leveson, the Lord Chief Justice, who understands that at present victims are being let down by delays, which undermine constitutional rights.
Question
What reassurance can the Minister give my constituents about a reduction in access to jury trial?
Minister reply
We are not setting out our policy response today but recognising that victims have been let down by delays. We need to make record investment, combine it with structural reform, and deliver swifter justice for victims.
Question
Will the Minister consider more serious investment in rehabilitation work as she considers Sir Brian’s recommendations over the summer?
Minister reply
The holistic type of support involving preventive interventions, such as the LandWorks project, is exactly what we are considering alongside investment and structural reforms.
Question
Will she take this opportunity to rule out reducing sentences by 40% for criminals who plead guilty?
Minister reply
We would never allow what the Conservative party allowed. We inherited a prison system at the brink of collapse and we are engaging in serious policy development to deliver swifter justice.
Question
Why do the Government appear terrified of decent British people sitting on juries? Are they intent on further undermining jury trial? If so, will they hold a full debate in the House before it happens?
Minister reply
Jury trial remains a cornerstone of justice. Sir Brian Leveson considers whether a jury trial is appropriate for complex fraud cases and minor offences. When ready with reforms, we will return to the House for a full debate.
Question
The jury system is essential to protect individuals from oppressive judges or Governments. Will the Minister confirm that the most serious impact on individuals may result from cases that go to court, not necessarily the most serious ones?
Minister reply
90% of cases happen without a jury and justice is still delivered robustly. We respect our judiciary as an integrity and pride of this country.
Question
Will the Minister take into account those who are innocent and stand wrongly accused, waiting anxiously for their day in court?
Minister reply
Our focus is on victims but defendants waiting to clear their name also face devastating effects. The delays have accrued from the backlogs inherited from the previous Government.
Question
Does the Minister agree with Sir Brian Leveson's mandate that speeding up jury trials will eliminate fundamental principles of our legal system?
Minister reply
Justice delayed is justice denied, but equally, justice must be seen to be done. Delays have affected victims and those wrongly accused.
Government Response
The Government inherited a severely strained criminal court system with rising backlogs. The Lord Chancellor commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to review the situation, and his report confirms that the system is in crisis. The Government supports ambitious recommendations for bold action to stabilize the justice system. While jury trials will remain essential for serious cases, the Government aims to improve efficiency to prevent justice from being delayed excessively. They are considering all aspects of Sir Brian's report before responding formally in autumn. They highlight increased court sitting days and additional funding as part of their commitment to restoring public confidence in the courts.