Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Restriction of Jury Trials: Rule of Law

Wednesday 14 October 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Government inherited a justice system with record backlogs, impacting victims' access to timely justice
  • Opposition criticized for opposing Lord Leveson's recommendations and measures to address the Crown court backlog
  • Attorney General stated that the government listens to the House and professions, working on solutions for the backlog

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robbie Moore
Justice & Courts
Context

The Government is considering reforms to the justice system that may affect jury trials, causing concerns about the rule of law and delays in justice for victims.

Question

What advice has she given the Government on the potential impact of removing jury trials in certain circumstances on the rule of law?

Answer from Andrew Slaughter

The Government inherited a justice system on the brink with record backlogs, meaning victims face delays for justice. This Government continues to invest in courts and vital reforms are needed. The Prime Minister and Justice Secretary have listened to the strength of feeling from victims and the House, deciding not to establish the Crown court bench division, but will act quickly on other reforms for swifter justice.

Not addressed: Specific advice on the impact of removing jury trials

How: Changed Subject To Reforms And Investment

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Q2 Robbie Moore
Justice & Courts
Context

The Government intends to allow judge-only courts for complex cases, but the definition of 'complex' has not been clarified, raising concerns from organizations such as the Criminal Bar Association.

Question

Why does the Attorney General believe that the lack of clarity on what constitutes a complex case is still acceptable?

Answer from Andrew Slaughter

It seems the Opposition opposes every one of Lord Leveson's recommendations. The Conservatives created the Crown court backlog and oppose measures to deal with it. When will they come up with their own proposals? Why do they continue to oppose for opposition's sake?

Not addressed: Lack of clarity on complex cases

How: Criticizing The Opposition

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Q3 Jerome Mayhew
Crime & Law Enforcement Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Attorney General's change in stance on jury trials raises questions about the indispensability of jury trials and the Attorney General's credibility.

Question

Can the Attorney General explain to the House how she now thinks jury trials are indispensable? Does she accept that an Attorney General forced to perform such a spectacular U-turn may not be indispensable?

Answer from Andrew Slaughter

This will be news to the Opposition, but we occasionally listen to this House and professions. We are tackling the backlog; the Opposition never wants to talk about it because they caused it. We are looking for solutions; they are welcome to suggest their ideas.

Not addressed: Indispensability of jury trials and Attorney General's credibility

How: Changed Subject To Backlog And Solutions

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