Speaking in the House of Commons, the Upper Bann MP warned that restricting jury trials would weaken a key safeguard within the justice system and would not address the underlying causes of court backlogs.

Mrs Lockhart also criticised the Government for bringing forward the proposals despite the issue not being included in the Labour Party’s election manifesto.

Commenting following the vote, Mrs Lockhart said:

“Trial by jury has been a cornerstone of our justice system for more than 800 years. It ensures that people from across our communities play a direct role in the administration of justice and helps maintain public confidence in the fairness of the courts.

While there is no doubt that our courts are under pressure and that delays must be addressed, removing or restricting jury trials is not the answer. No credible report has suggested that juries are the cause of court backlogs.

The real issues lie in the lack of resources within the justice system, including insufficient court capacity and long-standing underinvestment. Weakening the right to a jury trial risks undermining an important safeguard without tackling the root of the problem.

It is also deeply concerning that the Government is seeking to push forward such a significant change when it was not included in Labour’s manifesto and therefore carries no clear public mandate.

I voted against this legislation to defend the principle of trial by jury. Sadly the vote was lost, but we will continue to stand up for the fundamental protections that underpin fairness in our justice system.”