Thursday, December 18, 2025

David Lammy's plan to restrict the right to trial by jury appears to be a non-starter as 39 Labour MPs sign a public letter describing the proposal as "madness". 

The letter, organised by Karl Turner, Labour MP for Hull East, suggests that the plan will go the same way as the government's attempt to cut PIP disability benefits in the summer.

One whips' rule of thumb is that for every rebel prepared to go public there are two who express their opposition privately, which would be enough to wipe out the government's majority, currently 167 (meaning that 84 Labour MPs have to vote against the government to defeat it). 

The plan is intended to speed up justice, because the 3 per cent of trials currently heard by juries tend to take longer. 

I predict that the change will not happen in its current form. 

Which trade union was formed in 1993 by the merger of Nupe, Nalgo and Cohse?

Answer at the bottom of today's email 

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Daily briefing

PM says he wouldn't let someone talk to his daughter the way Donald Trump spoke to reporter

Keir Starmer was challenged on Loose Women over language used by US president to a female journalist

Former Supreme Court judge says ban on antisemitic chants difficult to prosecute

Jonathan Sumption says there are 'obvious difficulties' in securing convictions for slogans such as 'globalise the intifada'

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves try to take credit for interest rate cut

Bank of England votes narrowly to cut the interest rate by a quarter-point to 3.75 per cent

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Will rejoining Erasmus set Britain on a path back to Europe?

The next general election could feel like a rerun of the 2016 Brexit referendum if parties consolidate their positions on Europe, Sean O'Grady writes...

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This Christmas, we're asking for your help again as we launch our new campaign with the charity Missing People – the SafeCall appeal.

Every year, more than 70,000 children in the UK are reported missing. The misery that follows – for the child, for the family, for the community – is often hidden. Too many of these young people have nowhere to turn when they need help most. SafeCall will change that. Our goal is to raise £165,000 to help Missing People launch this new, free service – designed with the input of young people themselves – offering round-the-clock support, advice and a route to safety."

QUOTATION OF THE DAY

With every cut we make, how much further we go becomes a closer call

Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, on interest rates

Quiz answer: Unison

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