Lord Chancellor and Law Officers 2023-05-25
2023-05-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The House of Lords Constitution Committee published a report on the roles of the Lord Chancellor and Law Officers, raising concerns about legislation that breaches international obligations. This prompted questions regarding government policy.
What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the ninth report of the House of Lords Constitution Committee, “The roles of the Lord Chancellor and the Law Officers”, HL 118, published on 18 January 2023?
As Attorney General, I am honoured to play an important role in upholding the rule of law, which is fundamental to our constitution. I thank the House of Lords Constitution Committee for its report. The Government published their response in March, and I am looking forward to appearing before the Committee next month.
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Assessment & feedback
The Attorney General did not provide a direct assessment of the implications for her policies but expressed appreciation for the committee's work and indicated future engagement.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Constitution Committee criticised previous legislation for breaching international obligations, referring specifically to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill and the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. This led to questions about whether the Illegal Migration Bill is another such example.
Does this Attorney General accept that the Illegal Migration Bill is the third such example, and the first on her watch?
No, I do not accept that. I am bound by the Law Officers' convention mentioned earlier, so I cannot comment on advice, even that provided by previous Law Officers. With regard to the two earlier Bills that the hon. Gentleman mentioned, the Government published summaries of their legal position during the introduction of both Bills, and we did so more recently in February this year on the Windsor framework.
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Assessment & feedback
The Attorney General avoided addressing whether the Illegal Migration Bill breaches international obligations by citing the Law Officers' convention.
Bound By The Law Officers' Convention
Response accuracy