Courts backlog soars by nearly 100,000 since Labour came to power, as ministers urged to drop controversial jury trial reforms
The criminal courts backlog in England and Wales has risen by 98,725 cases since Labour came to power, reaching a record 461,059 by the end of June. The figures have intensified criticism of ministers’ proposed reforms, which would remove jury trials for thousands of cases annually; opponents argue this would shift rather than solve the wider delays.
The Crown Court backlog reached 80,829 cases, including 23,706 waiting over a year, while magistrates’ courts had 380,230 cases, up 9% year on year. Ministers say they are investing in courts, technology and legislative changes to speed up justice, while legal representatives welcome signs of stabilisation in the Crown Court but call for further investment, particularly in magistrates’ courts.
- Court backlogs have reached a record 461,059 cases.
- Nearly 100,000 cases were added since Labour took office.
- Critics say restricting jury trials will not solve delays.