Court backlog in England and Wales ‘will rise until 2035 despite reforms’

The Guardian World

by Jessica Elgot Deputy political editor

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The backlog of criminal cases in England and Wales is set to increase for nearly a decade, reaching its peak around 2035 before starting to decline, despite significant reforms including the reduction of jury trials. The Ministry of Justice has revealed these figures, which highlight the challenges faced by the judicial system. Justice Secretary David Lammy has emphasized the government's commitment to pressing ahead with these reforms, even in the face of potential opposition from Labour MPs. He warned that without such measures, the backlog would grow exponentially, underscoring the urgency of implementing changes to address the growing caseload. The decision to curtail jury trials is a key part of the reforms aimed at reducing delays. Lammy has argued that this measure is necessary to speed up the processing of cases and alleviate the pressure on courts. However, critics, including some within his own party, have expressed concerns about the impact on the fairness of trials and the rights of defendants. Despite these objections, Lammy remains steadfast in his support for the reforms, stating that they are critical to preventing further overcrowding in the court system. The rise in court backlogs is not a new issue but has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted court operations and led to a surge in cases. The reforms, including the reduction of jury trials, are part of a broader strategy to modernize the justice system and improve efficiency. However, experts warn that these changes may have unintended consequences, such as undermining public trust in the judicial process or leading to longer delays in certain types of cases. This issue is not just a local concern but has global implications for legal systems grappling with similar challenges. The ongoing backlog highlights the need for innovative solutions and sustained investment in court infrastructure to ensure fairness and efficiency. As other countries face their own court delays, the experience of England and Wales could offer valuable lessons on balancing reforms with the preservation of judicial integrity. In summary, while the reforms aim to tackle the backlog and improve the

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026