Lammy's description of jury trials as "a peculiar way to run a public service" is deeply concerning

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to proposals from Justice Secretary David Lammy to limit access to trial by jury, and reports that he described jury trials as “a peculiar way to run a public service”, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Jess Brown-Fuller MP said:

“David Lammy's description of jury trials as "a peculiar way to run a public service" is deeply concerning. Jury trial is a cornerstone of our justice system and a fundamental safeguard of liberty and fairness. It's not a peculiar inconvenience; it's a fundamental right.

“The answer to fixing the justice system does not lie in taking a sledgehammer to jury trials. Any solution worth its salt must first tackle the myriad of shocking inefficiencies that plague our justice system and waste countless hours of sitting time.

"The Government makes it seem like there's no alternative. That is simply not true. The Liberal Democrats are calling for a comprehensive strategy that increases court sitting days, makes better use of underused courtrooms, fixes broken private contracts that leave defendants stuck in prison vans, and invests in rehabilitation to reduce reoffending."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

As reported here.