Plans to ‘restore balance of power’ lacking evidence, say barristers

Responding to the Queen’s Speech, Chair of the Bar Council, Derek Sweeting QC said:

“The standout item in this Queen’s Speech is the Government’s intention to ‘renew democracy’ and ‘restore the balance of power between the executive, legislature and the courts’. But the evidence for the claim that this balance has been lost is lacking.

“The panel which looked at the judicial review system did not identify a ‘growing tendency’ for judicial overreach. The judicial review process is central to access to justice for the public. We are concerned that some of the proposed reforms are far-reaching with insufficient time allowed for consultation or scrutiny.”