Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Olivia Dean

Man I Need

Listen Live Podcasts

Harrogate MP slams Government's "disgraceful" bid to dismantle jury trials

Thursday, 8 January 2026 06:57

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Local MP Tom Gordon has voted to protect the right to trial by jury, condemning Government plans to abolish it as "a disgraceful dismantling of our justice system."

The proposals, announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy, would severely restrict the right to a jury trial in England and Wales in an attempt to tackle court backlogs.

Under these plans, jury trails would only be guaranteed for the most serious offences, such as rape, murder, and manslaughter, or where cases pass a ‘public interest’ test.

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, is supporting a motion opposing these changes, warning that they would undermine the integrity of the justice system.

He said that they would “fail victims” – including those of domestic abuse.

Tom said:

“David Lammy’s proposal to abolish jury trials is completely disgraceful. The Government is tearing down the foundations of our justice system right before our eyes.

“Most worryingly, it is victims, including those suffering domestic abuse, who will be left to pay the price for this Government’s catastrophic choices.

“Lammy must urgently change course. Instead of resorting to a sticking-plaster solution that betrays victims, the Government needs to get a grip on the failing justice system and tackle the real problems head-on.”

More from Local News

Council looks to buy new council houses in Ripon

North Yorkshire Council is seeking an £800,000 grant to buy ten affordable homes in two market towns.
Ripon school and cathedral launch first boarding scholarship

Ripon Grammar School and Ripon Cathedral have joined forces to launch the school's first boarding scholarship.
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Harrogate

A yellow weather warning for snow has been issued for Harrogate as Storm Goretti brings colder conditions across parts of the UK.
Harrogate clinician awarded King's Ambulance Medal in New Year Honours

A highly respected clinician at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has been recognised for three decades of dedication to emergency care and the ambulance service.
New right-to-buy policy to be introduced by North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire Council is set to introduce a unified right-to-buy policy after it inherited thousands of council homes from the former district and borough councils.
80s popstar Sinitta heaps praise on Harrogate after festive trip

80s popstar Sinitta has praised Harrogate after spending Christmas and New Year in the town while performing in pantomime nearby.
Harrogate Town Council confirm precept hike in 2026/27 budget

Harrogate Town Council has confirmed an increase in its council tax precept as part of its 2026/27 budget - the first to be fully set by the town council since it was established.
Harrogate café listed for sale after just 15 months

A café on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate has been listed for sale - just 15 months after opening.
RHS Harlow Carr announces record-breaking visitor numbers

RHS Garden Harlow Carr is celebrating a major milestone this week as it welcomes its 500,000th visitor in a single year for the first time in the garden’s history.
The Traitors star urges sign-ups for Harrogate Race for Life

The Traitors star Leanne Quigley is urging people to kick start the New Year by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Harrogate.
When the weather turns, turn to Your Harrogate

With snow in the forecast this week, Your Harrogate Radio is reminding listeners that it’s the place to turn when the weather starts to cause disruption across Harrogate.
Government urged to help fund rising costs of special needs education in North Yorkshire

The government has been urged to take urgent action to help North Yorkshire Council fund the rising cost of providing education to children with special needs.
Inspectors praise maternity services at Harrogate District Hospital

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s (HDFT) maternity service has been rated 'good overall' following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in July 2025.
Taylor Wimpey submits plans for 320 homes off Penny Pot Lane

Plans for a new residential development off Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council following community consultation.
Popular Harrogate cheese shop to relocate next week

Harrogate favourite The Cheeseboard is set to relocate next week - but it won't be moving far.
Harrogate MP renews push to scrap disabled bus pass restriction

Local MP Tom Gordon has renewed his push to scrap the 9:30am restriction on disabled bus passes during a parliamentary debate on free bus travel.
New Pilates Studio to open in Harrogate next week

A Yorkshire based Pilates brand, Elethea Studios is opening a new branch in Harrogate next week.
Lightwater Valley announces 'exciting new era' under new ownership

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is looking ahead to an 'exciting new era' after being acquired by the Nottingham-based, family-owned Mellors Group.
Will we get snow in the Harrogate district?

Harrogate residents are keeping an eye on the weather this week as colder conditions move in - but the chances of heavy snow now look low.
Ripon pupil seeks seat in UK Youth Parliament

A Ripon pupil who wants to help improve the lives of young people in North Yorkshire is running as a candidate for the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).