*/
Over 2,000 delegates from 120 countries assembled at the three-day Global Law Summit in London in February to mark 800 years of Magna Carta, the rule of law and the future of global business, whilst lawyers and human rights activists marched from Runnymede to Hampton Court in protest against legal aid cuts.
The “Not the Global Law Summit” march, organised by the Justice Alliance, opposed the “hijacking” of the anniversary into a “monstrous jamboree of corporate law, tax avoidance and global networking”. Several hundred protestors awaited the arrival of the march at Parliament, which held aloft an effigy of the Lord Chancellor, Chris Grayling MP, as King John in stocks.
Opening the summit, the Lord Chancellor celebrated Magna Carta as a cornerstone of our legal system and economy: “I am proud that Magna Carta has been one of the UK’s greatest exports: it has inspired and formed the basis of so many legal systems and it is cited and invoked whenever and wherever basic freedoms come under threat.”
“A thriving legal system and respect for the rule of law go hand in hand with economic prosperity. In fact, they are the necessary foundations on which a strong and resilient economy is built,” he said.
The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, focused his opening address on clauses 39 and 40 of Magna Carta, which set out the fundamental principles of the rule of law and access to justice, and their relevance to the summit.
“None of these issues raised by the two principles of the rule of law and access to justice is easy. Some are very uncomfortable not merely to governments but to others such as corporations with immense economic power. But the task requires a commitment from us all, governments, legislatures, lawyers, judges, businesses and citizens.
“There can also be no doubt that some will try to obstruct this commitment to the rule of law. To others it will merely be inconvenient. As to obstruction, our duty is clear; the obstruction must be fought against and removed; obstructions to justice are a denial of justice as Magna Carta teaches,” the Lord Chief Justice warned.
The Bar was represented despite a strong anti-summit current within the profession – the Bar Council was a summit partner, and the Advocacy Training Council and 39 Essex Chambers sponsored the event. Speakers drawn from across the Bar and judiciary scrutinised judicial review and the rule of law against the context of public funding cuts, and others showcased the Bar’s principles of independence and quality of practice.
Opening the summit, the Lord Chancellor celebrated Magna Carta as a cornerstone of our legal system and economy: “I am proud that Magna Carta has been one of the UK’s greatest exports: it has inspired and formed the basis of so many legal systems and it is cited and invoked whenever and wherever basic freedoms come under threat.”
“A thriving legal system and respect for the rule of law go hand in hand with economic prosperity. In fact, they are the necessary foundations on which a strong and resilient economy is built,” he said.
The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, focused his opening address on clauses 39 and 40 of Magna Carta, which set out the fundamental principles of the rule of law and access to justice, and their relevance to the summit.
“None of these issues raised by the two principles of the rule of law and access to justice is easy. Some are very uncomfortable not merely to governments but to others such as corporations with immense economic power. But the task requires a commitment from us all, governments, legislatures, lawyers, judges, businesses and citizens.
“There can also be no doubt that some will try to obstruct this commitment to the rule of law. To others it will merely be inconvenient. As to obstruction, our duty is clear; the obstruction must be fought against and removed; obstructions to justice are a denial of justice as Magna Carta teaches,” the Lord Chief Justice warned.
The Bar was represented despite a strong anti-summit current within the profession – the Bar Council was a summit partner, and the Advocacy Training Council and 39 Essex Chambers sponsored the event. Speakers drawn from across the Bar and judiciary scrutinised judicial review and the rule of law against the context of public funding cuts, and others showcased the Bar’s principles of independence and quality of practice.
Over 2,000 delegates from 120 countries assembled at the three-day Global Law Summit in London in February to mark 800 years of Magna Carta, the rule of law and the future of global business, whilst lawyers and human rights activists marched from Runnymede to Hampton Court in protest against legal aid cuts.
The “Not the Global Law Summit” march, organised by the Justice Alliance, opposed the “hijacking” of the anniversary into a “monstrous jamboree of corporate law, tax avoidance and global networking”. Several hundred protestors awaited the arrival of the march at Parliament, which held aloft an effigy of the Lord Chancellor, Chris Grayling MP, as King John in stocks.
Efforts continue on gender equality, support for the Bar, meaningful reform for the sector and advocating for the rule of law
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Once you submit your silk application, what happens next? Sir Paul Morgan explains each stage of the process and reflects on his experience as a member of the KC Selection Panel
