Counsel General for Wales condemns “anti-democratic” UK Government Bills and failure to address issues preventing access to justice
The Welsh Government's Counsel General has called on the UK Government to withdraw "its most heinous legislation", fund the justice system, including an increase in legal aid, and take forward "at least some" of the independent Commission on Justice in Wales' recommendations.
Speaking in Llandudno at today's (7 October) Legal Wales Conference, Mick Antoniw said greater investment in the justice system was needed, noting that underfunding risks denying people access to justice and is a particular risk for smaller law firms, which are a key feature of the Welsh legal system.
In addition, the Counsel General called for the UK Government to fully engage in developing the Welsh justice system based on recommendations from the Thomas Commission, which produced a report on justice in Wales in 2019.
The report recommended numerous reforms, including a call for full legislative devolution in Wales.
He also called for the scrapping of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, the Bill of Rights, and the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, warning that they threatened the rule of law.
He criticised the UK Government on its relationship with the legal sector, condemning language such as 'activist lawyers' and 'lefty human rights lawyers' he said came from Ministers in the previous administration.
Antoniw said: "As we enter a new legal year, it is impossible not to reflect on the damage done by the UK Government in the last 12 months. We have seen attacks on lawyers, anti-democratic Bills and a failure to address the key issues that are preventing people getting access to justice."
He continued: "In a new legal year, with a new Government at Westminster, the need to change course is crystal clear.”
The Counsel General also outlined the Welsh Government's efforts to promote justice in Wales, which he said include:
- Consolidating Welsh law through legislation in the Senedd
- Supporting the establishment of the Law Council for Wales
- Outlining principles for a Welsh justice system in its 'Delivering Justice for Wales' consultation.
Adam Carey
