Shabana Mahmood, the new Lord Chancellor, has pledged to defend the independence of the judiciary and respect judicial rulings.
- At the Opening of the Legal Year breakfast, Mahmood addressed judges, emphasising her commitment as the government representative.
- Highlighting recent unrest, she credited the judiciary for their role in swiftly restoring order through their judgments.
- She criticised past media portrayals of judges as ‘Enemies of the People’ and promised government support against such narratives.
- Mahmood assured that neither she nor her colleagues would comment on judicial decisions, marking a clear boundary for governmental conduct.
In a significant address at the Opening of the Legal Year breakfast, Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood made a resolute commitment to the judiciary’s independence. Speaking to an audience comprising judges and legal professionals, she affirmed, “The very least you can expect from me is to protect the judiciary and not to comment on judgments.” This declaration was made solemnly following a traditional service at Westminster Abbey, a ceremony that reflects the longstanding history and gravitas of the legal profession in the United Kingdom.
Mahmood acknowledged the judiciary’s critical contribution in maintaining the rule of law, particularly during recent social unrest. She expressed her gratitude towards the judges, stating that their expedited rulings were pivotal in ending the disorder. “Your swift justice was crucial in concluding the disgraceful unrest,” she remarked, underscoring the judiciary’s enduring resilience and importance in challenging times.
Referring to a notorious 2016 headline by the Daily Mail labelling judges as ‘Enemies of the People’, Mahmood assured her support in counteracting such attacks. She emphasised her unwavering duty to uphold the rule of law and defend the judiciary’s autonomy. “On my watch, the government will never stay quiet if newspapers describe the judiciary as ‘enemies of the people’,” she declared, reinforcing her stance within the government’s cabinet discussions.
Further, Mahmood vowed that neither she, nor her associates, would serve as commentators on judicial decisions. By drawing a clear line, she aimed to reinforce the integrity of the judiciary and signal a commitment to non-interference from political entities. She reiterated, “This is the very least that you can expect from me as your lord chancellor. Throughout the life of this parliament, I fully intend to do much more.”
The Lord Chancellor’s remarks set a definitive tone for her tenure, clearly delineating her stance on protecting judicial independence.
