In 2017 David Lammy the then Labour MP and criminal defence barrister, conducted a report in to injustice and prejudice in the criminal justice system. In his review into ‘prejudice in the criminal justice system’, David Lammy highlighted that juries “act as a filter for prejudice and are essential for maintaining public confidence”.
In June 2020, David Lammy doubled down on his firm commitment that jury trials were an essential barrier between the individual and the State when he said “criminal trials without juries are a bad idea” and that jury trials are a fundamental part of our democratic settlement”. Fast forward to 05 September 2025 when the Prime Minister appointed Mr Lammy as his new Justice Secretary. Less than 3 months after being put in to one of the most powerful positions in Government. David Lammy completely changed his position on what he had previously described as ‘justice’ when he announced that he was ending the automatic right to choose trial by jury for people charged with an either way offence. He also announced the end of the automatic right to appeal your sentence and conviction from the Magistrates Court top the Crown Court
In a further recent announcement in his drive to be seen as a true Minister for Justice and not a destroyer of justice, Mr Lammy announced that he was making it an automatic right that any victim of crime would on request, be provided with a transcript of the judges sentence remarks in their case, when previously victims had to formally apply for a print out which would personally cost them up to £200.00
Mr Lammy announced further, in his efforts to “remove barriers to justice and provide transparency”, that any person on application would automatically be give a full copy of the Judges sentence remarks and that “the end of a trial does not mean the end of a victims’ journey, for many, it’s just the beginning. Free access to sentencing remarks will embolden victims to look back on their bravery and process their experience at their own pace. This would provide a clear record for victims and offenders of the rationale for sentencing decisions”
How will this decision be looked upon? Is this a real attempt to help victims, or is it just another gimmick from a man who says one thing when in opposition, then when in power, shouts the exact opposite. For all his professional life as a criminal defence barrister, Mr Lammy has shouted for justice for all and how jury trials prevent prejudice by protecting ethnic minorities. Is he a real ‘Justice’ minister or now a professional politician?
The public will be his jury come elections and the vote in Parliament and the Lords as to whether to approve his plan to remove jury trials and appeals to the Crown Court.