UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham scraps controversial jury‑trial reforms

The decision overturns proposals introduced by Sir Keir Starmer’s government to allow judge‑alone hearings for many offences.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 04 Oct 2026 04:35:12 GMT

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Tuesday that the government will scrap the controversial plan to curb jury trials, according to the BBC, the Evening Standard and The Independent.

What happened

The Ministry of Justice said only complex fraud and financial offences will continue to be eligible for judge‑alone hearings. All other medium‑level crimes will remain before volunteer magistrates and juries. Justice Secretary Alex Norris said he changed course after hearing the "strength of feeling" on the proposals.

What the reports add

BBC News noted that the original plan, first announced by former Justice Secretary David Lammy in December, would have allowed judges to decide cases that could result in sentences of less than three years. The Evening Standard added that the proposal faced opposition from MPs and legal professionals who questioned its fairness and effectiveness in reducing the court backlog. The Independent reported that the move was described by critics as "madness" and contrary to Labour values, and quoted Norris saying scrapping the plan would help reduce the backlog faster because it would require less structural change.

What was said

Justice Secretary Alex Norris told the Press Association, as reported by the Evening Standard, that he had decided to "change course" after hearing the "strength of feeling on the proposals". The BBC quoted Norris saying the decision would allow the government to bring down the backlog and deliver swifter justice. Barrister Karl Turner, a suspended Labour MP, thanked Burnham for his support, according to the Standard.

How it came about

The reforms were part of a major review of the court system in England and Wales, introduced under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership to address a record backlog of nearly 81,000 cases. Earlier this month, Felo News reported on Burnham’s relatable conference speech, highlighting his appeal to former Labour voters (Burnham speech praised). The backlash from legal professionals and MPs, combined with public concern, prompted the U‑turn.

Key facts

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the scrapping of the jury‑trial reform plan. (bbc.co.uk)
Justice Secretary Alex Norris said he changed course after hearing strong public feeling. (standard.co.uk)
Only complex fraud and financial offences will remain eligible for judge‑alone hearings. (independent.co.uk)

Timeline

2026-12-01 — Former Justice Secretary David Lammy announced the jury‑trial reform plan.
2026-10-03 — Burnham’s speech at the Liverpool conference praised by Labour voters.
2026-10-04 — Burnham announces the reversal of the jury‑trial reforms.