On 13 January 2026, our National Chair David Ford JP gave evidence to the Commons Justice Select Committee, on the government’s proposed reforms to the criminal court. Alongside representatives from the Criminal Bar Association, Bar Council and Institute for Government, David answered questions on a range of issues including the extension of magistrates’ sentencing powers and whether magistrates should be included in the proposed Crown Court Bench Division.
This document has further written evidence that the MA subsequently submitted to the Committee, highlighting concerns around recruitment and retention of magistrates, as well as the need to take a holistic approach to reform.
