Keir Starmer set for another climb down as David Lammy hints at U-turn | Politics | News
Justice Minister David Lammy. (Image: Getty)
Justice Secretary David Lammy has dropped heavy hints that a new Labor U-turn is on the way, saying he is open to “talking about” alternatives to the Government’s proposed changes to jury trials. This suggests the Government plans to once again cancel the planned policy in the face of opposition, after previously backtracking on winter fuel payments, disability benefits, workers’ rights and more.
The government has said it will likely drop jury trials for offenses punishable by three years or less in a bid to clear the crown court’s backlog of nearly 80,000 unsolved cases, and the ability to challenge a magistrates’ court decision in a crown court will also be limited. But the plans have sparked outrage, including from some Labor MPs.
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The measures follow a review of the justice system by retired senior judge Sir Brian Leveson. The government has not yet brought forward the legislation.
In an interview on the BBC’s Political Thought with Nick Robinson podcast, the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary was asked whether he would be open to considering alternative suggestions, such as Sir Brian’s recommendation that the judge be accompanied by two judges.
Mr Lammy replied: “Let’s talk, but ultimately I’m pretty clear that I want the backlog to be reduced.
“At this level, a single judge will be more effective. We still have the criminal court of peace and it will do more in line with my recommendations.”
Earlier this month, Labor MP Karl Turner said the Prime Minister “should be ashamed of himself” over the proposed changes, and the former lawyer argued it was “not something Labor believes in”.
The Kingston-upon-Hull MP broke the party whip by voting against the proposals for the first time since becoming an MP in 2010.
He also sided with former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, who led the opposition day debate on the Government’s plans, with Mr Turner describing them as “utterly ridiculous” and “unworkable”.
“Karl has a fundamental objection. He was a lawyer,” Mr Lammy said.
“It’s always sad to see friends going through lobbies and you know he’s walking through the lobby with Robert Jenrick and you know he’s being friendly to Robert Jenrick and it frustrates and demoralizes me.”
Meanwhile, Bar Council president Kirsty Brimelow KC warned the proposals would “erode” public confidence in the criminal justice system.
He called on the Government to focus on measures that would speed up the court process, rather than turning to a reform that is controversial and risks “depleting” the energy and resources needed to solve the problems.
Mr Lammy has previously said the proposals were needed to “save the criminal justice system”.
He hopes the backlog will start to reduce by the next General Election and can be cleared within the next 10 years.
