Story perspectives

MP Natalie Fleet Advocates Judge-Only Trials for Justice

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Natalie Fleet, Labour MP, urged colleagues to back judge-only trials to improve justice for sexual assault victims.
Fleet argued delays deter survivors from seeking justice.
Fleet noted drug dealers exploit lengthy jury trials to avoid imprisonment.
Fleet backs David Lammy’s proposals for a new criminal court structure amid opposition from the legal profession and some Labour MPs.
A report suggests reforms would yield minimal time savings in crown courts.

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Story summary

Natalie Fleet, Labour MP, urged colleagues to back judge-only trials to improve justice for sexual assault victims.
Fleet argued delays deter survivors from seeking justice.
Fleet noted drug dealers exploit lengthy jury trials to avoid imprisonment.
Fleet backs David Lammy’s proposals for a new criminal court structure amid opposition from the legal profession and some Labour MPs.
A report suggests reforms would yield minimal time savings in crown courts.