MPs will vote on plans to limit jury trials this week.

Supporters say it will cut the enormous backlog of cases clogging up the courts, while critics argue it dismantles a centuries-old safeguard.

The bill that writes the Budget into law finishes its Commons journey.

The chancellor will also give evidence on the Spring Forecast to the Treasury select committee on Wednesday.

And the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill comes back from the Lords.

Peers made 13 amendments for MPs to consider.

MONDAY 9 MARCH

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – consideration of Lords amendments
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland (part), Northern Ireland (part)
Aims to remove barriers to opportunity in schools and make the education system more consistent for children. Measures include free breakfast clubs for primary schools in England, a limit on branded school uniform items, and strengthening regulation around social care.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 10 MARCH

Domestic Abuse (Pets) Bill
Extends domestic abuse law to cover pets. Abusers often threaten or harm animals as a way to control victims, and fear of leaving a pet behind can stop people escaping an abusive relationship. Applies non-molestation orders and occupation orders to behaviour involving pets, updates the legal definitions of controlling behaviour and economic abuse to include harm to animals, and extends Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to cover pets. Ten minute rule motion presented by Ruth Jones.

Courts and Tribunals Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland (part), Northern Ireland (part)
A wide-ranging justice bill. Removes the right for defendants facing a likely sentence of three years or less to have their case heard by a jury in the Crown Court. Instead, a judge would hear the case alone. Removes a rule in family law that courts must presume a parent’s involvement in their child’s life is beneficial – a change aimed at better protecting children from parents who pose a risk. Reforms the leadership structure of the tribunal system, among other things.
Read the bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH

Lord Advocate (Removal of Dual Role) Bill
Allows the Scottish Parliament to split the role of Scotland's Lord Adovcate in two. They are currently head of the prosecution service and chief legal adviser to the Scottish Government. This means they advise ministers while also making independent decisions on prosecutions, which some argue is a conflict of interest. Ten minute rule motion presented by John Cooper.

Finance (No. 2) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Writes into law the measures announced in last October's Budget.
Read the bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

THURSDAY 12 MARCH

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 13 MARCH

No votes scheduled

LAST WEEK'S VOTES

Passed

• Representation of the People Bill – goes to committee stage
• Geotechnical Data bill – goes to second reading
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill – became law
• Police (Declaration) Bill – goes to second reading
• Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) (No. 2) Bill – goes to the Lords

Click here to read details of the bills in last week's newsletter.