Bill of Rights Bill
The FT (£) runs an in-depth piece on the Bill of Rights, ahead of the Justice Secretary being questioned by the Justice Committee on 22 November.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: “The bill would also damage the UK’s reputation as an international leader in upholding citizens’ rights.”
City A.M. and The National (Wales) also examine the Law Society’s reports of concerns in the City of London about the Bill of Rights.
Stephen Denyer, the Law Society’s Director of Strategic Relationships, reported concerns expressed in meetings held with senior stakeholders in the City of London about the detrimental impact the Bill may have on UK PLC.
Stephen said: “I have discussed the Bill of Rights with senior representatives of more than 30 large City law firms and representatives of key City stakeholders.”
“Overall, the people I have spoken to have expressed considerable concern about the unintended consequences of some of the provisions of the Bill, particularly around the impact on the UK’s economic competitiveness and the standing of English law and jurisdiction internationally.”
“It would need quite a comprehensive rewrite to assuage these concerns.“
Read more about our views on the Bill of Rights Bill
Divorce and finances
The Daily Mail, This is Money and MSN UK take a deep-dive into divorce law and finances in England and Wales. In April ‘no-fault’ divorce was introduced to reduce unnecessary acrimony and the ensuing legal wrangling for divorcing couples.
The Law Society is cited as saying: “By replacing divorce grounds that previously assigned fault, you are taking away a potentially hostile environment that can lead to drawn out and expensive legal proceedings. By reducing the elements for such conflict you enable couples to focus more on the important issues such as children, property and finances.”
Housing disrepair
Daniel Fitzpatrick, a member of our Housing Law Committee, spoke to BBC Radio Shropshire (from 24:42) about the housing legal aid crisis, and what rights people have in housing disrepair cases.
International Men’s Day
Vice President Nick Emmerson writes in the Gazette about International Men’s Day, which took place on 19 November, and raised awareness of men’s mental health and wellbeing.
“International Men’s Day highlights men’s experiences and brings them into the mental health conversation. It provides a platform to discuss flexible working and parental leave, which tend to be attributed as 'women issues'.
“As men we can sometimes find the pressure to 'cope' - or appear to cope – with the pressures of life overwhelming. Some of us find it harder to know who we can talk to about our vulnerabilities and worries.”
Justice cuts in Autumn Statement
The Law Society has warned that systemic failure is likely with the cut to justice spending revealed in the autumn statement yesterday, as reported by Today’s Family Lawyer, Landlord Zone, Today’s Wills and Probate and the Negotiator.
Law Society Vice President Nick Emmerson said: “With inflation so high, the Ministry of Justice budget has effectively been cut. There aren’t any more savings to be made in a justice system which is already breaking down after decades of underinvestment.
“We are faced with a situation where access to justice is needed more than ever but has never been so endangered.
“The government will be forced to pick up the pieces, at greater cost, further down the line.”
The Gazette takes a deep-dive look into the Autumn Statement, and what it means for solicitors.
Family court backlogs
The Basingstoke Gazette covers the family court backlogs, as families wait for long periods to settle child arrangements and other family legal matters.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said the Law Society is “extremely concerned about the effect delays and backlogs in the family courts are having on people seeking justice.
“The ones who are impacted by this delay the most are families up and down the country
“Some are dealing with deeply distressing issues – securing a child arrangement order, seeking protection from domestic abuse and controlling behaviour, or finalising a divorce.”
Mental Health Act disproportionately affects Black people
Coverage continues on the Law Society’s call to reform the Mental Health Act, with a focus on new statistics on detention rates in Wigan and St Helens covered by Leigh Journal and St Helens Star.
Law Society Vice President Nick Emmerson said: These statistics show why reforming the Mental Health Act must be a priority for the government.
“The current system means there is a risk that compulsory detention and treatment is used too often and that patients do not have enough involvement in decisions about their care.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to reforming the Mental Health Act and support the introduction of new safeguards for patients refusing medication."
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