Former Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been transferred to the Ministry of Justice, replacing as Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland, who leaves government. Raab combines his new role with that of Deputy Prime Minister.
‘With the rule of law and access to justice firmly in the spotlight, and with the spending review on the horizon, we hope the new lord chancellor will play a key role in advocating for sustained investment across the entire justice system. I would also like to thank Robert Buckland QC for his service to the justice system during an extremely challenging time.’
Resolution National Chair Juliet Harvey said: ‘We have enjoyed positive and productive working relationships with his predecessors, and we look forward to continuing this with him, working together to make improvements to the family justice system.
‘There are a number of issues we would urge him to focus on, including: improvements to rights for cohabitants upon separation, more funding to help families receive early legal advice and find more and different ways to resolve disputes constructively; and ensuring the long-awaited Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act is implemented as planned in April 2022, so that finally couples are able to divorce without assigning blame.
‘At the same time, we wish Robert Buckland the best of luck for the future, and thank him for his work, in particular steering through this vital piece of legislation, following years of campaigning from our members.’
Derek Sweeting QC, Chair of the Bar Council, thanked outgoing Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland ‘for his willingness, as a former practising barrister, to work collaboratively and listen to the legal professions. We wish him well and look forward to working with his successor Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP, also a qualified lawyer. As we welcome the eighth Justice Secretary in the last 10 years to play this vital role the need for a consistent and strong voice in government for our justice system could not be greater.’
