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"The way things are going, just a year in — I genuinely think he will leave. I think he will be forced out."

"Starmer might have to go in months."

"I don't think he will survive a year [as prime minister]."

"Of course [he will be prime minister till 2029]."

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More than 3,200 lawyers, including 300 senior barristers and 22 retired Crown Court judges, have sent a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling the government to drop plans to abolish some jury trials.

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More than 3,200 lawyers, including 300 senior barristers and 22 retired Crown Court judges, have sent a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling the government to drop plans to abolish some jury trials.

The letter, organized by the Bar Council, alleges the proposals are an attempt to force through an "unpopular, untested and poorly evidenced change" to the jury system, calling instead for "sustained and strategic investment in services, people, infrastructure and technology."

The letter, organized by the Bar Council, alleges the proposals are an attempt to force through an "unpopular, untested and poorly evidenced change" to the jury system, calling instead for "sustained and strategic investment in services, people, infrastructure and technology."

The Courts and Tribunals Bill, debated at its second reading on Tuesday, would replace juries with a single judge in England and Wales for cases where a convicted defendant would be jailed for up to three years.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill, debated at its second reading on Tuesday, would replace juries with a single judge in England and Wales for cases where a convicted defendant would be jailed for up to three years.

The Ministry of Justice states that more than 90% of criminal cases are already heard fairly without a jury, whilst jury trial cases take up 64% of Crown Court time despite respresenting 12% of cases. However, a study by the Institute of Government has estimated that cutting jury trials would save less than 2% of court time.

The Ministry of Justice states that more than 90% of criminal cases are already heard fairly without a jury, whilst jury trial cases take up 64% of Crown Court time despite respresenting 12% of cases. However, a study by the Institute of Government has estimated that cutting jury trials would save less than 2% of court time.

It has been reported that the bill would face rebellion from backbench Labour MPs. However, Karl Turner — who has been leading Labour MP opposition — has since announced that he will be abstaining from the vote.

Karl Turner

It has been reported that the bill would face rebellion from backbench Labour MPs. However, Karl Turner — who has been leading Labour MP opposition — has since announced that he will be abstaining from the vote.

The Crown Court backlog, as of September 2025, sat at just under 80,000 and has been estimated to reach 174,000 by 2035 without reform. If successful at second reading, the bill must pass committee stage, report stage and a third reading before repeating the process in the House of Lords.

The Crown Court backlog, as of September 2025, sat at just under 80,000 and has been estimated to reach 174,000 by 2035 without reform. If successful at second reading, the bill must pass committee stage, report stage and a third reading before repeating the process in the House of Lords.

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More than 3,200 lawyers, including 300 senior barristers and 22 retired Crown Court judges, signed a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urging the government to drop plans to abolish some jury trials. Protesters gathered outside Parliament as MPs prepared to vote on the proposals.

More than 3,200 lawyers, including 300 senior barristers and 22 retired Crown Court judges, signed a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urging the government to drop plans to abolish some jury trials. Protesters gathered outside Parliament as MPs prepared to vote on the proposals.

The letter organized by the Bar Council states the proposals are an attempt to force through an "unpopular, untested and poorly evidenced change" to the jury system. Signatories include former Director of Public Prosecutions Sir David Calvert-Smith and television lawyers.

The letter organized by the Bar Council states the proposals are an attempt to force through an "unpopular, untested and poorly evidenced change" to the jury system. Signatories include former Director of Public Prosecutions Sir David Calvert-Smith and television lawyers.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill would replace juries with a single judge in England and Wales for cases where a convicted defendant would be jailed for up to three years. Only the most serious offences such as rape, murder and manslaughter would be heard by a jury.

The Courts and Tribunals Bill would replace juries with a single judge in England and Wales for cases where a convicted defendant would be jailed for up to three years. Only the most serious offences such as rape, murder and manslaughter would be heard by a jury.

A study by the Institute of Government projected that cutting jury trials would save less than 2% of court time. The Ministry of Justice said more than 90% of criminal cases were already heard fairly without a jury.

A study by the Institute of Government projected that cutting jury trials would save less than 2% of court time. The Ministry of Justice said more than 90% of criminal cases were already heard fairly without a jury.

The bill faced potential rebellion from up to 65 Labour MPs, though many were expected to abstain rather than vote against it at second reading. The Conservatives urged Labour MPs to join them in voting against the changes.

The bill faced potential rebellion from up to 65 Labour MPs, though many were expected to abstain rather than vote against it at second reading. The Conservatives urged Labour MPs to join them in voting against the changes.

Justice Secretary David Lammy defended the reforms, arguing they would help tackle the Crown Court backlog which has reached record levels of 80,000 cases. The delays mean some defendants charged today may not face trial until 2030.

Justice Secretary David Lammy defended the reforms, arguing they would help tackle the Crown Court backlog which has reached record levels of 80,000 cases. The delays mean some defendants charged today may not face trial until 2030.

3,200 Lawyers Urge PM to Drop Jury Trial Abolition Plan

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UK: Lawyers Send Open Letter to Starmer as Jury Trial Cut Faces Second Reading

UK: Lawyers Send Open Letter to Starmer as Jury Trial Cut Faces Second Reading

UK: Lawyers Send Open Letter to Starmer as Jury Trial Cut Faces Second Reading

3,200UK: Lawyers UrgeSend PMOpen Letter to DropStarmer as Jury Trial AbolitionCut PlanFaces Second Reading

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UK: Lawyers Send Open Letter to Starmer as Jury Trial Cut Faces Second Reading

3,200UK: Lawyers UrgeSend PMOpen Letter to DropStarmer as Jury Trial AbolitionCut PlanFaces Second Reading

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