Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gregory Stafford and Sarah Pochin

Tuesday 19th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Gregory Stafford (Farnham and Bordon) (Con)]

6. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to jury trials on the criminal justice system.

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

20. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of restricting the right to trial by jury in some circumstances on levels of public confidence in the criminal justice system.

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Lammy)]

We inherited a justice system in crisis, with a backlog of over 80,000 cases—double what it was in the pre-covid era—and with victims, witnesses and defendants waiting years for justice. That is what truly undermines confidence in our justice system. Justice delayed is justice denied. Only by pulling every lever—investment, efficiency and reform—can we turn the tide.