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Lammy's Rape Case Claims Spark Backlash from Barristers

12/7/2025

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Justice Secretary David Lammy faces criticism from senior barristers for allegedly misrepresenting rape-case withdrawal statistics to back reforms halving jury trials.
Lammy claims 60% of victims withdraw due to court delays.
Data show 8% drop out post-charge, and the Ministry of Justice says the barristers' comments are misleading.
Up to 60 Labour MPs, including Angela Rayner, urge pausing reforms until credible evidence addresses the backlog.

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Story summary

Justice Secretary David Lammy faces criticism from senior barristers for allegedly misrepresenting rape-case withdrawal statistics to back reforms halving jury trials.
Lammy claims 60% of victims withdraw due to court delays.
Data show 8% drop out post-charge, and the Ministry of Justice says the barristers' comments are misleading.
Up to 60 Labour MPs, including Angela Rayner, urge pausing reforms until credible evidence addresses the backlog.