The criminal court backlog in England and Wales is projected to continue increasing until 2035, according to recent statistics released by the Ministry of Justice. Reforms aimed at addressing this issue, including changes to jury trials, have sparked debate within the Labour Party, as Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the need for these reforms to prevent an exponential rise in pending cases. The staggering backlog currently stands at over 80,000 cases, expected to escalate to 100,000 by 2028, coinciding with the planned implementation of these legislative changes.

To counter the escalating backlog, Courts Minister Sarah Sackman announced a multifaceted strategy involving significant investment, modernization, and alternative trial options, such as judge-only trials. This approach seeks to address the growing number of cases while also easing the burden on an overstretched judicial system. Meanwhile, the government has taken steps to increase the number of court sitting days, a measure seen as essential by critics who fear that reforms alone might not tackle the challenges effectively.

The ongoing backlog situation raises significant concerns about the overall efficiency and integrity of the legal system in England and Wales. As the situation develops, the government's initiative to modify courtroom operations will be keenly observed, particularly in light of possible internal opposition within Labour, which may influence the implementation timeline and overall impact of the planned reforms.