Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

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."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    simonhughes.org.uk/en/article/2007/118831/a-minister-for-justice-and-not-the-attorney-general-should-be-in-cabinet
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    sh.lib.dm/a157w

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Bermondsey and Old Southwark constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you agree, Simon Hughes MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone