Robert Jenrick demands end to 'activism' by judges as poll reveals most Brits think justice system is too politicised
A survey of 3,000 over-16s found 67 per cent of people agreed the criminal justice system had become over-politicised.
Meanwhile, 62 per cent said judges 'sometimes make decisions on the basis of their personal political opinions'.
Seven out of 10 believed the criminal justice system is more concerned about the rights of criminals than the rights of victims, the polling by Merlin Strategy found.
Amid widespread concerns over 'activist judges', Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said the research showed confidence in the justice system was 'on the line'.
He urged politicised judges to resign, or face being removed from office.
The Tory frontbencher said: 'Judicial activism is destroying confidence in the criminal justice system.
'The public are fed up of seeing judges making political statements or stretching the law to suit their world view.
A new poll showed 62 per cent of Britons believe judges 'sometimes make decisions on the basis of their personal political opinions'
'It has to end. If judges want to be politicians they should step down.
'If not, they should be removed.'
He added: 'These results should alarm Keir Starmer and the Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood.
'Their strategy of trying to silence legitimate criticism of judges isn't working.
'They need to tackle the source of the problem and fast, because confidence in our criminal justice system is now on the line.'
Julian Gallie, Merlin Strategy's head of research, said: 'The public overwhelmingly think that UK judges and the criminal justice system is too politicised.
'There is also widespread concern that the system currently protects the rights of criminals over the rights of victims.
'This is a problem for not just trust in the criminal justice system, but in our social contract as a whole.
'These findings indicate worrying levels of dissatisfaction amongst the public.'
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