We, the undersigned, urge you, our MP for Gedling, to write to the Justice Secretary and call for an immediate reconsideration of proposals that would limit or remove access to trial by jury. The right to be judged by a jury of ones peers is not an outdated tradition. It is a critical safeguard within our modern democracy.

Recent commentary has attempted to portray jury trials as something ancient or quaint, something belonging to the past. This is a serious mischaracterisation. Jury trials are not about nostalgia. They are about ensuring that justice is not controlled solely by the state or by institutions that are affected by political pressure, financial constraint, or policy driven decision making.

A justice system that concentrates the power to determine guilt or innocence in the hands of the state risks undermining fairness, independence, and public trust. Jury trials provide an essential barrier that protects us from this concentration of authority. Twelve citizens, independent of government influence, examine the evidence directly and make a judgement that is both transparent and accountable.

At the same time, the large backlog of cases quoted at around eighty thousand must not be used as justification for weakening this protection. This backlog was not created because we hold too many jury trials.

Solving this backlog requires us to take our fundamental rights seriously. We do not reduce delays by reducing rights. A functioning and fair justice system requires proper investment in judges, court staff, buildings, support services, and the essential resources that allow trials to take place promptly and fairly.

We call on Parliamentarians who value democratic accountability to speak clearly and firmly. Protecting jury trials is not about maintaining old customs. It is about protecting liberty. We ask that you encourage the Justice Secretary to abandon any proposal that weakens this essential right and instead support meaningful investment in our courts.

In previous discussions, you have said that if something is a priority for the people you represent, then it is a priority for you as well. We ask that this principle be upheld here, because the protection of jury trials is a matter of profound public importance.

We therefore petition you to:

Write to the Justice Secretary expressing strong opposition to any reduction or removal of the right to trial by jury.

Advocate in Parliament for the continued protection of this essential democratic safeguard.

Support increased investment in the court system as the only credible solution to delays and backlogs.

Justice must remain independent, fair, and accountable to the people. Protecting the right to trial by jury is essential to ensuring that this remains true.