Government faces fierce criticism as Justice Secretary dodges urgent questioning on jury reforms and leaves his inexperienced deputy to handle MPs in the Commons

Tensions flared once again in the House of Commons as questions resurfaced about the Government’s stance on jury trials.

The issue, already a lightning rod for criticism, was brought back into the spotlight when MPs demanded clarity on plans that could see juries removed from a wide range of cases.

A Minister Under Pressure

Instead of stepping up to defend his own proposals, the Justice Secretary opted to stay out of the firing line.

The decision raised eyebrows across the chamber, especially given the scale of concern surrounding the potential shift away from jury-based justice.

A Stand-In Left to Handle the Fallout

In his place, a relatively new deputy was dispatched to respond to the urgent question.

The move was met with a mix of frustration and disbelief, as many MPs felt the situation warranted the presence of the Cabinet minister responsible, not a less-experienced substitute.

Growing Concerns Over Transparency

The absence of the Justice Secretary has only added fuel to the debate.

Critics argue that dodging direct scrutiny signals uncertainty—or worse, a lack of confidence—in the government’s own proposals.

What Happens Next?

With the controversy far from settled, MPs are expecting fuller explanations in the coming days.

Whether the Justice Secretary chooses to step forward himself remains to be seen, but the pressure for answers is intensifying.