Peers predict jury trial victory

The Tories today predicted victory in their battle to block government plans to curb the right to trial by jury.

Peers will vote today on Home Secretary David Blunkett's proposal to let more cases be heard by judges sitting alone.

An alliance of Tories, Lib-Dems, cross-benchers and rebel Labour peers are confident that they will overturn the plans.

And Tory shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin pledged to keep up the fight if Labour uses its Commons majority to reinstate the key clauses.

His threat could put a question-mark over the Government's entire flagship Criminal Justice Bill unless Mr Blunkett makes further concessions to his critics.

Mr Letwin said: "On previous Bills I have backed down because I believed the Bills were important, such as the Prevention of Terrorism Bill.

"But I don't think there is anything in this Bill that is to the great benefit of mankind.

"If it is lost it is a price worth paying to protect trial by jury."