UK’s Starmer Faces Rebellion Over Plans to Curb Jury Trials

Keir Starmer departs Downing Street.

Photographer: Carl Court/Getty Images

The UK government is facing a revolt from its own backbenchers over plans to curb trial by jury, in a further blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Some 39 Members of Parliament wrote to the premier urging him to U-turn on the plan, which would see jury trials reserved only for those who are accused of the most serious crimes such as rape and murder, and those with a likely sentence of more than three years in prison.