David Lammy is Britain's deputy prime minister and justice secretary under Keir Starmer's Labour government. He is described as an ebullient pro-European. He previously served as foreign secretary until a cabinet reshuffle on September 5th 2025 triggered by Angela Rayner's resignation.
As justice secretary, Mr Lammy announced plans in December 2025 to curtail jury trials in Britain, based on recommendations by Sir Brian Leveson. The proposals would restrict jury trials to the most serious crimes or those carrying sentences of three years or more, redirecting roughly half of current jury trials—some 7,500 cases a year—to magistrates or a single judge. Only 3% of criminal cases in Britain are currently heard by juries.
In July 2025 Mr Lammy, alongside defence secretary John Healey, signed a 50-year bilateral treaty with Australia cementing the AUKUS submarine arrangement. Penny Wong, Australia's foreign minister, was his counterpart. British officials estimate the treaty will contribute approximately £20bn ($27bn) in exports over 25 years and support around 21,000 British jobs.
It is easy when we are in prosperity to give advice to the afflicted.