A Minister for Justice, and not the Attorney General, should be in Cabinet
March 26, 2007 12:00 AM
Commenting on Harriet Harman's remarks proposing that the Attorney General should be excluded from attending cabinet meetings to restore public trust, Liberal Democrat Shadow Constitutional Affairs Secretary and Attorney General, Simon Hughes MP said:
"It is difficult to tell how many of Harriet Harman's ideas are serious proposals for reform and how many are publicity gimmicks for a deputy leadership election.
"Some of today's interview clearly looks like a pitch for a second job as Lord Falconer's successor in a new Gordon Brown government.
"Of course steps will need to be taken to restore confidence in government after Tony Blair. The cash for peerages affair highlights the need for transparent party finances, reduced spending on elections and a predominantly elected House of Lords.
"The Attorney General should not be in the cabinet, but of course must attend whenever needed to give advice. The important change is that future law officers should be nominated by government, but Parliament should confirm their appointment and be able to take their jobs away.
"All justice matters should in future be led by a new minister for justice, as a member of the cabinet, chosen from and accountable to the House of Commons."
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