End of the road for Bill of Rights?
There are widespread reports the new PM has told her cabinet she intends to scrap the controversial Bill of Rights Bill, which we have strongly opposed. We will be monitoring for confirmation of the government’s intentions.
Extensive coverage carries a statement from Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce who said on the announcement of the conservative party leader elections: “We call on the new prime minister to demonstrate a renewed respect for the rule of law at home and with international partners when she takes office.
“The Bill of Rights Bill in particular needs a complete rethink as the current draft represents a lurch backwards for British justice which would disempower people in Britain while giving the state more unfettered authority.”
Our statement was carried by the Sun, Independent, Daily Mail, Evening Standard, Yahoo!, MSN, the National, Ireland Live, Asian Image, Belfast Telegraph, Herald, Western Telegraph and more than 300 other publications.
Following the rumours, Vice president Lubna Shuja told the Gazette a rethink of the “deeply flawed” bill “would be a step in the right direction, and I hope means the government has listened to the near unanimous opposition of lawyers, community groups and human rights advocates”.
“The only smart way to proceed would be to go back to the advice of the independent review it commissioned”, she said. “Any changes should maintain vital human rights protections, which are a hallmark of British justice.”
Read our press release
New justice minister’s in-tray
The Gazette, City AM, the Law Society of Ireland Gazette, Business Mayor and New Law Journal report our to-do list for the new lord chancellor.
Law Society vice president Lubna Shuja said: “Justice and fair play are hallmarks of Britain and traditionally a source of pride for the country. But today they are less recognisable features of our national landscape.
“I look forward to working with Brandon Lewis to share our members’ insight from the frontline of justice. Solicitors see problems first-hand and early, and they can shed light on workable solutions.
“When we meet there will be much more for us to discuss, from how the new government should rethink the damaging Bill of Rights Bill to how solicitors will be a backbone of support for local communities grappling with the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.”
New PM agenda
PinkNews looks at what Liz Truss first steps should be as prime minister, including our criticism of the Bill of Rights Bill.
Mental health spotlight
Meanwhile LawCare has announced the full line of up of speakers for its online conference: “Building a Better Life in the Law,” report Today’s Wills and Probate, Today’s Conveyancer, the Patent Lawyer, Trademark Lawyer and Today’s Family Lawyer. The conference includes a conversation with Stephanie about building a modern and diverse profession.
Also worth a read:
- Latest update from Rwanda legal challenge – BBC
- NI Protocol warning – Guardian
- 5th of female solicitors promoted after maternity leave – Legal Futures
- £ tumbles – BBC