TRIAL BY JURY

Early day motion 105, tabled 26 November 1999 by Tom Cox (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House, whilst welcoming efforts being made by the Home Secretary to make the criminal justice system more expeditious, efficient and cost-effective, is concerned that his proposal to end the right of defendants charged with either-way offences to choose to be tried by a jury will remove an important safeguard in the system and help undermine the liberty of the individual; believes that it could further damage any trust or confidence which minority communities have in the law; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government as a matter of urgency to reconsider this far-reaching proposal.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Plaid Cymru 2, Liberal Democrat 1, UUP 1.