Labour MP Breaks Ranks and Slams His Own Party’s Justice Bill — Then Reveals the One Claim He Says “Simply Doesn’t Happen”

Labour MP Karl Turner has spoken out in Parliament with strong concerns about parts of a new justice bill, warning that several of its proposals are “unworkable, unjust, unpopular and unnecessary.”

Speaking during the Commons session, Turner said he found himself agreeing with points raised by the shadow justice secretary, despite their political differences. He focused especially on plans that could limit access to jury trials, arguing that the reasoning behind the changes does not reflect how cases are actually handled in court.

He criticised an example used by Shabana Mahmood, who suggested that minor offences like stealing a bottle of whiskey could be used to justify changes to trial procedures. Turner said this comparison was unrealistic and did not match his experience as a criminal barrister.

Reflecting on his early legal career, he explained that even in small theft cases, defendants were not advised to choose a jury trial. According to him, the situation described by the justice secretary “simply doesn’t happen,” and he urged ministers to present more accurate arguments.

Turner also took issue with claims from within the Ministry of Justice that he had failed to rally support against the bill. He described those claims as unfair and not fitting for a government department.

Although he opposes parts of the bill, Turner chose to abstain during its second reading. He said this approach would allow the legislation to move forward while giving MPs the chance to remove the most problematic sections at a later stage.

He also called on colleagues who share his concerns to take the same position, expressing confidence that the most controversial parts of the bill could still be defeated as it goes through further scrutiny.

The bill will now move to the next stage in Parliament, where MPs will examine it in more detail and consider possible amendments.