Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly indicated he will not reverse course on contentious proposals to scrap certain jury trials, declaring the move a crucial step toward delivering justice for victims of misogynist violence. Speaking during a diplomatic visit to China with a delegation of British business and cultural leaders, Starmer framed the issue as a personal matter of principle, vowing to address systemic delays that are eroding faith in the legal system.
A Fundamental Principle of Justice
The Labour leader, who previously served as Director of Public Prosecutions, emphasised that tackling a crown court backlog of approximately 80,000 cases represents a core commitment. He highlighted how excessive waiting times, with some trials scheduled as far ahead as 2030, are causing victims of violence against women and girls to withdraw from proceedings entirely.
"This is a really fundamental argument of principle for me," Starmer stated. "I've been working with victims of crime for a very long time, and they have to wait too long for justice. I have given my word to campaigners on violence against women and girls, and to victims, that I will do everything within my power to make sure they get justice."
Resisting Pressure from Multiple Fronts
Despite facing significant opposition from legal experts, rival MPs, and members of his own party, Starmer appears determined to proceed with the reforms. Campaigners, including dozens of Labour MPs and peers, argue that the changes undermine a foundational principle of the British justice system. A recent Institute for Government report further complicated matters by suggesting that introducing judge-only criminal trials in England and Wales would save less than 2% of time in crown courts.
Nevertheless, Justice Secretary David Lammy is understood to be pushing ahead with the proposals in their current form, even as some sources speculate about potential modifications following the backlash. The original recommendations from Brian Leveson's review included a new "bench division" where a single judge would sit with two lay members, but Lammy has reportedly removed the lay element from the plans.
Understanding the Proposed Changes
The government's proposals encompass several key adjustments to the current trial system:
- Establishing a new criminal court where judges will hear cases independently without juries.
- Introducing magistrates-only hearings for offences carrying a maximum sentence of two years or less.
- Implementing judge-only trials for complex fraud cases to streamline proceedings.
Starmer provided context by noting that 90% of criminal cases are already heard in magistrates courts without juries, and of the 10% that proceed to crown court, approximately 7% result in guilty pleas. "So of all the criminal cases going through the system that I used to prosecute, 3% ended up as jury trials," he explained. "There will be a slightly lesser percent after these changes, but that's the change that we're talking about."
Transparency and Impact Assessment
The government has conducted its own impact assessment of the proposed changes but has declined to publish it until the relevant legislation is finalised. This approach has drawn criticism from opponents who argue for greater transparency regarding the reforms' potential effects on the justice system.
Starmer's unwavering stance reflects his broader commitment to addressing what he views as a crisis in the courts, particularly for vulnerable victims who face intolerable delays. His comments during the China visit underscore the personal significance he attaches to this issue, positioning the jury trial reforms as essential rather than optional measures in the fight for timely justice.
