Jury Trials

Part of Solicitor General – in the House of Commons at on 5 February 2026.

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Photo of Ellie Reeves Ellie Reeves Party Chair, Labour Party, The Solicitor-General

Can I start by thanking my hon. Friend for her service as a magistrate? Magistrates have a huge role to play in our criminal justice system. Cases in magistrates courts continue to be dealt with swiftly, despite increased demand. Magistrates hear around 1.3 million cases per year, which normally ensures that there is around six months of work ready for magistrates to hear at any time. We are accelerating our programme to recruit more new and diverse magistrates and are committed to supporting magistrates. They are the backbone of local justice and keep the entire system turning.