Labour lawyers ‘blocked’ from briefing MPs on jury trials overhaul before vote

Leader of rebel group says there is deep concern within Society of Labour Lawyers about courts and tribunals bill

Lawyers affiliated to Labour were “blocked” from briefing party MPs to share concerns about plans to cut the number of jury trials in England and Wales, it has been claimed.

The allegation was made by Karl Turner, the leader of a backbench rebellion against a flagship government bill that would remove the right to a jury trial in thousands of cases, before the first chance by MPs to vote on the legislation.

As many as 65 Labour MPs are understood to have been considering voting against the courts and tribunals bill before Monday’s second reading.