Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, has come under fire from the head of England’s judiciary, Baroness Carr, for his handling of rioter sentences. Baroness Carr compared Starmer to King John, the monarch who was forced to sign the Magna Carta in 1215 to prevent interference with the courts.
Baroness Carr emphasized the importance of maintaining the separation of powers between the government and the judiciary. She criticized the government for claiming credit for the swift sentencing of rioters, stating that it was a judicial function and not a political matter.
In her speech at the Mansion House, Baroness Carr highlighted the need for proper funding for courts to ensure their smooth functioning. She shared an anecdote about a judge having to climb onto a court roof to fix a leak due to lack of resources. This incident underscored the challenges faced by the judiciary in carrying out their duties effectively.
Furthermore, Baroness Carr stressed the significance of upholding the rule of law, as established by the Magna Carta. She called for sustainable funding to support the judiciary and modernize court systems to meet the demands of the digital age.
The release of over 1,000 prisoners to alleviate overcrowding raised concerns about the capacity of the justice system to deliver timely and fair outcomes. Baroness Carr emphasized the need for continued investment in courts and tribunals to uphold justice and protect individual rights.
In conclusion, Baroness Carr’s speech highlighted the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy and ensuring access to justice for all. Her remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting the legal system to maintain the rule of law and protect basic freedoms.