The Rule of Law 2020-11-03
2020-11-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Discussions on upholding the rule of law have been ongoing among Cabinet members.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues regarding upholding the rule of law?
Naturally, I do not disclose the details of private conversations I have with Cabinet colleagues, but they should be in no doubt that I am committed to supporting the rule of law and will use my authority to advise, warn and encourage.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Details of specific discussions were not disclosed
I Do Not Disclose Details
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A letter signed by over 800 legal figures criticized the Prime Minister and Home Secretary's attacks on the legal profession, undermining the rule of law.
Has he read a letter from senior legal figures stating that attacks on the legal profession undermine the rule of law? If so, did this make things unacceptable?
The hon. Lady is eliding two issues and I hope inadvertently. When it comes to defending the legal profession, I have publicly stated my steadfast support for the profession.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific reaction to letter was not addressed
I Do Not Disclose Details
Eliding Issues
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Former Supreme Court Justice Lord Dyson and the former Director of Public Prosecutions criticized the Government's rhetoric as irresponsible, dangerous, and undermining the rule of law.
What discussions has he had with Prime Minister and Home Secretary regarding serious allegations from senior lawyers?
I do not disclose details of discussions I have with Cabinet colleagues. However, people should be in no doubt about my steadfast defence of the judiciary and an independent legal profession.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Details of specific allegations were not addressed
I Do Not Disclose Details
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Lawyers have been criticized throughout history, including by the former leader of Labour and Prime Minister during legal aid work.
Will he recognize that criticisms of lawyers should be moderated and historical context taken into account?
Lawyers have been criticized throughout history. We live in a lively democracy where none of us is above criticism. I left my politics at home whenever I went into chambers or courtroom.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific context and moderation not addressed
Historical Context
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Home Secretary and Prime Minister have launched attacks on lawyers representing asylum seekers, and a knife attack occurred days after criticism. Legal professionals are called 'activist lawyers'.
Does he agree with his colleagues' characterization of lawyers as 'activist lawyers', or will he publicly condemn that rhetoric?
I have made my defence of lawyers clear on two occasions, condemning attacks. Physical and verbal attacks are entirely unacceptable.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Characterization not directly addressed
Defended Lawyers Generally
Not Specific To Characterization
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A violent attack on an immigration lawyer, counter-terrorist police warning about a potential attack, yet Home Secretary intensifies anti-lawyer rhetoric.
Did he warn the Home Secretary to avoid using this kind of language before her speech? If not, will he consider his position?
I have been publicly on the record twice in the last month making my position clear and condemning attacks. I am careful about drawing direct links sub judice.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific warning not addressed, no commitment to reconsider position
Sub Judice
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
After the Home Secretary's speech, the Prime Minister made additional statements declaring intentions to prevent the criminal justice system from being hamstrung by left-wing human rights lawyers and other do-gooders. Joanna Cherry is concerned about the Lord Chancellor's advice to colleagues regarding the rule of law.
I reiterate that I am not asking the Lord Chancellor for the precise details of conversations or, indeed, to comment on an ongoing case. I am asking him about the general advice he has given to his colleagues in relation to his duties and responsibilities regarding the rule of law, because after the Home Secretary's speech, the Prime Minister went even further in his conference speech, declaring that he would prevent 'the whole criminal justice system from being hamstrung by…lefty human rights lawyers and other do-gooders.' I ask the Lord Chancellor again: are newspaper reports that he spoke with the Prime Minister in advance of that speech correct? And did he tell the Prime Minister about the attack on the immigration lawyers' offices and the warnings from counter-terrorism police to the Home Secretary about the dangers of inflammatory language against lawyers?
I can assure the hon. and learned Lady that the information about the serious allegations about the attack has been communicated to the appropriate Ministers and that everything I have done and will continue to do is entirely consistent with my duty. Although, sadly, it might be the province of previous and current Prime Ministers to make provocative and sometimes lively comments about the legal profession, it is not the job of the Lord Chancellor to police every jot and tittle. I will continue to make sure that we get the tone of the debate right and that where we can improve on our language, we will do so.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether he spoke with the Prime Minister or provided specific advice regarding inflammatory language
Police Every Jot And Tittle
Response accuracy