"The Free Speech Union warns the United Kingdom risks losing “a check on governmental power and arbitrary justice” in “the biggest assault on our liberties in 800 years” if the government is able to push ahead this week with plans said to be looking at abolishing the right to a trial by jury in all but the most serious cases, such as murder, rape, terrorism, and others. For many other criminal cases where defendants face considerable jail time, the chance to have their guilt assessed by their peers hangs in the balance as Justice Secretary David Lammy looks for a cut-cost way to clear a backlog in cases, and the Union warns freedom of expression cases are particularly threatened."
"Minister Lammy is expected to say in comments to Parliament this week that drastic action is necessary because the British legal system has developed a significant backlog, north of 80,000 cases, with court dates for even very serious crimes like rapes not expected for years." FULL STORY at above link.