
David Lammy has defended his controversial jury trials reform by invoking his Christian faith, sparking widespread fury among critics who see it as an inappropriate blend of religion and policy. The Justice Secretary revealed on the BBC's Sunday programme that his beliefs compel him to 'centre the victims of crime,' including mothers bereaved by knife crime awaiting trials for years.
This latest twist, as of 5 January 2026, intensifies debate over plans to limit jury trials to serious offences amid a Crown Court backlog nearing 80,000 cases. Lammy's faith-driven rationale has drawn sharp rebukes, with some labelling it offensive to Christians and unfit for a secular justice system.