Sir Keir Starmer's government is confronting a significant internal revolt after dozens of its own MPs publicly opposed radical plans to overhaul the justice system in England and Wales.
Backbench MPs Brand Reforms 'Madness'
The rebellion centres on controversial proposals announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy to abolish jury trials for certain offences. The plans, revealed on Thursday 18 December 2025, would see jury trials scrapped for crimes where the likely sentence is less than three years in prison.
In their place, the government intends to introduce new 'swift courts' designed to accelerate the judicial process. However, the move has sparked fierce resistance from within the Labour Party itself.
A letter organised by Karl Turner MP and signed by 39 Labour backbenchers delivers a stinging critique, describing the proposed restriction of jury trials as "madness". The MPs warn that the reforms risk eroding a fundamental democratic right that has been a cornerstone of the British legal system for centuries.
Record Backlog Fuels Reform Push
The political clash comes against a backdrop of severe strain on the courts. Newly released Ministry of Justice figures reveal that the crown court backlog in England and Wales has reached a historic high of nearly 80,000 cases.
Justice Secretary David Lammy has forcefully defended the proposed changes, arguing that "fundamental reform" is not just desirable but essential. He states the crisis demands bold action to deliver faster justice for victims, who currently face what he termed "agonising delays".
Prominent figures on the Labour left, including Dianne Abbott, have been vocal in their criticism, particularly targeting Mr Lammy's role in the proposed changes.
Starmer's Leadership Tested
This rebellion presents a major early test of Sir Keir Starmer's authority over his parliamentary party. Managing the dissent while attempting to address a genuine crisis in the justice system will require careful political navigation.
The core argument from rebel MPs hinges on the principle of trial by jury. They contend that diluting this right, even for seemingly lesser offences, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines public trust in legal outcomes.
As the debate intensifies, the government must now balance its urgent desire to tackle the record court delays against the profound constitutional concerns raised by its own supporters. The outcome will significantly shape the legacy of Lammy's tenure at the Ministry of Justice and Starmer's control over a fractious parliamentary party.
