The legal year launched this week with the Lord Chancellor’s Breakfast and a speech by justice secretary Robert Buckland QC.
Judges have come under fire from members of his own government since last week’s Supreme Court decision on prorogation. However, Buckland, whose duties include standing up for the judiciary, told the assembled judges: ‘As ever, you have discharged your duties with great diligence and dignity.
‘The individual cases over which you preside at all levels are invariably complex and contentious in their own right and require immense intellect, impartiality and integrity. Judges must be able to act without fear or favour in considering, as you rightly do, questions of law. I want to reaffirm my commitment to you, as Lord Chancellor, to defend your independence and uphold the rule of law.’
