Bar Council Chair Condemns Secret Court Plans

9 July 2012

As the House of Lords prepares for the Report Stage of the Justice and Security Bill, the Chairman of the Bar Council, Michael Todd QC, has condemned the Government's planned extensions to the use of Closed Material Proceedings (CMPs), endorsing the arguments of Liberty, Reprieve and the Special Advocates who participate in these proceedings.

Michael Todd QC, Chairman of the Bar Council, said:

"Over time, our justice system has developed a strong reputation internationally, largely as a result of our respect for the Rule of Law and due process. Proposals to extend the use of secret courts, and in particular to deny more claimants the right to challenge evidence available to the other side in the case, threaten to undermine the principle of open justice and make a mockery of our attempts to export the Rule of Law abroad.

"These plans have not only alarmed organisations which promote civil liberties; they have also drawn strong criticisms from the press and from lawyers instructed in these proceedings, the Special Advocates. It is time for the Government to sit up and listen."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Further information is available from the Bar Council Press Office on 020 7222 2525.

2. The Bar Council represents barristers in England and Wales. It promotes:

• The Bar's high quality specialist advocacy and advisory services
• Fair access to justice for all
• The highest standards of ethics, equality and diversity across the profession, and
• The development of business opportunities for barristers at home and abroad.

The General Council of the Bar is the Approved Regulator of the Bar of England and Wales. It discharges its regulatory functions through the independent Bar Standards Board.