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Deputy PM's 'Swift Courts' Reform Sparks Legal Backlash

1/13/2026

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Summary

Lammy Defends Reforms

David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, defends replacing jury trials with 'swift courts,' arguing the reform will help victims and reduce backlog.
Critics, including Labour MP Karl Turner and Kirsty Brimelow of the Bar Council, say the reforms undermine the right to a jury trial and are cost-driven.
Legal experts warn reforms may erode fundamental rights as backlog is addressed, sparking debate within Labour and the legal community.

History

Historical Context

The Jury Act of 1974 reformed jury selection in England and Wales, introducing majority verdicts to expedite court proceedings and alleviate backlogs. This change followed centuries of jury tradition dating back to the Magna Carta in 1215. Today, David Lammy's proposal for 'swift courts' reflects ongoing debates about efficiency versus the preservation of jury trial rights, echoing concerns raised by critics like Karl Turner.

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Lammy Defends Reforms

David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, defends replacing jury trials with 'swift courts,' arguing the reform will help victims and reduce backlog.
Critics, including Labour MP Karl Turner and Kirsty Brimelow of the Bar Council, say the reforms undermine the right to a jury trial and are cost-driven.
Legal experts warn reforms may erode fundamental rights as backlog is addressed, sparking debate within Labour and the legal community.

1 / 2