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Baroness Scotland has mounted a robust defence of the “fundamentally sound” role of the Attorney General. The government began a review of the role of Attorney General in 2007 and announced its decision, that no change to the law was necessary, in 2009.
In a speech to the Administrative Law Bar Association on “The role of the Attorney General in the 21st Century”, Baroness Scotland said: “After the analysis, the talk of tensions and contradictions, I say simply this: for all the problems, which I acknowledge, no suggestion that an Attorney General in modern times has in fact taken a decision on the basis of political or otherwise improper considerations has been substantiated ... Let us not apply nice theoretical tests to the role of Attorney General and watch the role fail them; let us see whether the role works in practice. And if it does not need fixing, why break it?”
On controversy surrounding advice given on Iraq, BAE and cash for honours, she said: “It is the issues that are difficult and controversial; and that will be the case whoever has to take them.”
However, some reforms have been implemented which have not required a change in the law. These include a Protocol setting out that the Attorney General no longer has the power to give a direction in an individual case save in “exceptional circumstances” and where necessary to safeguard national security.
Baroness Scotland said she would lay an annual report of her duties before Parliament.
In a speech to the Administrative Law Bar Association on “The role of the Attorney General in the 21st Century”, Baroness Scotland said: “After the analysis, the talk of tensions and contradictions, I say simply this: for all the problems, which I acknowledge, no suggestion that an Attorney General in modern times has in fact taken a decision on the basis of political or otherwise improper considerations has been substantiated ... Let us not apply nice theoretical tests to the role of Attorney General and watch the role fail them; let us see whether the role works in practice. And if it does not need fixing, why break it?”
On controversy surrounding advice given on Iraq, BAE and cash for honours, she said: “It is the issues that are difficult and controversial; and that will be the case whoever has to take them.”
However, some reforms have been implemented which have not required a change in the law. These include a Protocol setting out that the Attorney General no longer has the power to give a direction in an individual case save in “exceptional circumstances” and where necessary to safeguard national security.
Baroness Scotland said she would lay an annual report of her duties before Parliament.
Baroness Scotland has mounted a robust defence of the “fundamentally sound” role of the Attorney General. The government began a review of the role of Attorney General in 2007 and announced its decision, that no change to the law was necessary, in 2009.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Switching from a physical blue book to OneNote is simple, secure and game-changing, says Elizabeth Bowden – you’ll wonder how you managed without it...
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
