Labour MP criticises Starmer over jury trial reforms

On 15 January 2026, Hull MP Karl Turner – a solicitor and chair of the Labour Parliamentary Justice Group – publicly declared he was “ashamed” of party leader Sir Keir Starmer and called Justice Secretary David Lammy “lazy” while the Ministry pushes reforms that would strip non‑violent offenders of jury trials. The proposal would see crimes punishable by up to three years in prison tried by a single judge with no jury option, a move Lammy says is not retrospective but will affect cases without a set trial date. Turner warned that up to 60 Labour colleagues might rebel and quit the whip, citing a 39‑MP letter and a survey where over 85 % of barristers oppose the changes. The reforms face legal challenges from the Bar Council who cite the principle of “lex mitior”.