Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

Justice Secretary David Lammy has suggested only the most serious offences, including rape, murder and manslaughter, should continue to be tried by juries, according to a report. In a memo seen by The Times, Mr Lammy, who also serves as deputy prime minister, told officials there is "no right" to jury trials under UK law and argued proposed changes would not undermine the rights of defendants.

The briefing note, circulated to ministers and senior civil servants earlier this month, reportedly states jury trials would be reserved for rape, murder, manslaughter and other cases deemed to be in the "public interest". Under the proposals, lower-level offences would instead be decided by a judge sitting alone.

The move

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