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Labour Ministers Threaten Resignation Over Controversial Trial Reforms

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Two Labour ministers are reportedly prepared to resign over Justice Secretary David Lammy's plan to eliminate jury trials for offenses with potential prison sentences of three years or less.
Labour MP Karl Turner opposes the reforms and has threatened to trigger a by-election to protest.
The reforms target the crown court backlog of about 80,000 cases.
Barristers across the UK and Ireland say the reforms lack evidence and exceed recommendations.

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Story summary

Two Labour ministers are reportedly prepared to resign over Justice Secretary David Lammy's plan to eliminate jury trials for offenses with potential prison sentences of three years or less.
Labour MP Karl Turner opposes the reforms and has threatened to trigger a by-election to protest.
The reforms target the crown court backlog of about 80,000 cases.
Barristers across the UK and Ireland say the reforms lack evidence and exceed recommendations.