Labour MPs' backlash over 'Putin-esque' measures after Justice Secretary announces scrapping of jury trials

Described as "bold but necessary" measures, the scrapping of jury trials in all but the most severe cases forms part of the governments overhaul of the justice system in a bit to cut a backlog of cases.

Hours after word of the reforms emerged, Lammy made his Commons appearance, with the Justice Secretary facing criticism from all sides as he announced changes to the 800-year-old right to trial by jury.

However, the Justice Secretary, who is also deputy prime minister, soon found himself compared to the Russian leader by a member of his own party.

Quoting the Prime Minister, shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick joined the backlash from across the aisle, reminding the Commons of Starmer's previous comments: "There should be a right to trial by jury in all criminal cases".

Mr Lammy unveiled his plans on Tuesday, with the new system set to get cases dealt with a fifth faster than traditional jury trials.

He said it was necessary as with current projections, case loads will reach 100,000 by 2028.

The proposed scrapping of juries in either-way cases - cases that aren't categorised as the most serious crimes - including assaults and burglaries, comes in a bid to tackle the massive Crown Court backlog.

It means that cases including rape will be heard by a jury, but other offences including sexual assaults, stalking and sharing indecent images could instead be overseen solely by a judge.

Speaking with Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, the justice secretary revealed that criminals are "playing the system" and choosing trial by jury to have more time on bail.

David Lammy said juries form the "cornerstone" of our court system but insisted he wants to "bring the backlog down" amid lengthy delays.

"I'm absolutely clear, juries are important, they will always be important," Mr Lammy told Nick, adding that the fundamental issue remains that "we need to recruit more magistrates".

“Investment is not enough,” he added.

Diane Abbott was among those to criticise Mr Lammy's reforms, adding: "The entire House is concerned about victims including attacks on women and girls.

"But the entire House is also concerned about the many women who will undoubtedly suffer miscarriages of justice if the right to trial by jury is curtailed.'

The Commons exchange saw Labour backbencher Clive Efford criticise the Justice Secretary.

Meanwhile, Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, said the idea "sent a chill through my heart" as he went on to compare the policy to something Vladimir Putin would put in place.

"Doesn't the justice secretary want to think again?" he said.