Burnham scraps Starmer’s controversial plan to curb jury trials

The controversial plan to curb jury trials announced has been scrapped, the Government has announced. The controversial plan to curb jury trials was announced under Sir Keir Starmer and would mean trials would be scrapped for all but the most serious cases. But Justice Secretary, Alex Norris said the Government would now “change course” after hearing the “strength of feeling on the proposals”. Only some fraud and financial offences will now be allowed to be heard before a judge alone without a jury, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said. Those accused of minor crime will lose the right to choose a crown court trial over one in the magistrates. Follow The i Paper’s live blog for the latest updates. Burnham scraps Starmer’s controversial plan to curb jury trials Sort: October 4, 2026 8:18 amBurnham scraps Starmer’s controversial plan to curb jury trials Andy Burnham has scrapped the controversial plan to curb jury trials, the Government has announced.The controversial plan to curb jury trials was announced under Sir Keir Starmer and would mean trials would be scrapped for all but the most serious cases. But Justice Secretary, Alex Norris said the Government would now “change course” after hearing the “strength of feeling on the proposals”.Only some fraud and financial offences will now be allowed to be heard before a judge alone without a jury, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said. Those accused of minor crime will lose the right to choose a crown court trial over one in the magistrates.