Commenting on claims of political pressure on judges, particularly in relation to custody time limits, Chair of the Bar Council, Amanda Pinto QC, said:

"An independent judiciary is an essential pillar of our democracy. It is vital that no judge is ever subject to political or any other pressure to take a particular decision, or there is the appearance of such pressure. That is especially so when someone’s liberty is at stake. We would not accept it in another jurisdiction, and it should never be tolerated here."

ENDS