Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Solicitors: Civil Society

Thursday 19 October 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Solicitors and legal professionals uphold the rule of law and work on high-profile cases under pressure.
  • The Attorney General meets legal leaders to celebrate achievements and address concerns, emphasizing impartiality.
  • The Solicitor General conducted a 'law tour' to meet lawyers in rural areas, highlighting their importance.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Stephens SNP
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from discussions around solicitors and their role in upholding the rule of law.

Question

What recent discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the contribution of solicitors to civil society?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

Solicitors and all legal professionals play a vital role in upholding the rule of law. The Solicitor General thanks Government Legal Service lawyers for their work, often under pressure, on high-profile cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific recent discussions or agreements were not detailed

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Q2 Chris Stephens SNP
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question stems from criticisms by the Justice Minister and Home Secretary regarding lawyers' politics.

Question

Does the Attorney General agree that instead of deflecting blame, she should stand up for the profession as impartial arbiters?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

The Attorney General meets legal leaders to celebrate achievements and hear concerns. It is right that lawyers act in clients' best interests without fear or favour, aligning with the Lord Chancellor's view on impartiality.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific stance on criticism not addressed directly

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Q3 Sally-Ann Hart
Context

The question focuses on the assessment of solicitors' strength in remote regions.

Question

What assessment has she made of the strength of the legal profession in rural areas?

Answer from Michael Tomlinson

The Solicitor General mentions a 'law tour' to meet lawyers, including high street solicitors on the Welsh borders, highlighting their importance. More details will be provided about the law tour.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment or evaluation of legal profession strength not detailed

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