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.”
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