New Statesman – Books

Labour MPs Weigh up Rebellion over Jury Trials

MPs passed the Courts and Tribunals Bill at its second reading, with 301 voting for, 201 against and 90 Labour members abstaining. The legislation would replace juries with a single judge in cases where the likely sentence is three years or fewer, prompting sharp criticism from legal professionals and Labour backbenchers. About 3,200 lawyers have written to the Prime Minister urging the government to abandon the reforms, and up to 67 Labour MPs are reportedly prepared to rebel when the bill returns. The government remains confident, citing an Institute for Government briefing that its impact modelling is sound despite uncertain assumptions.