Election winners should champion justice and the rule of law
The Law Society of Scotland has urged all candidates and parties for next month’s UK General Election to recognise and support the critical importance of access to justice and the rule of law.
The professional body for Scottish solicitors has produced an Election Priorities guide targeted at the next UK Government and all MPs elected on 4 July.
The key priority areas identified by the Law Society of Scotland are:
- The rule of law – a fundamental part of society and the constitution
- Access to justice – the justice system must be open and available to all
- Administrative justice – to ensure people can enforce their legal rights
- Protecting the public from financial crime – through anti-money laundering and other measures
- The future of the legal profession – a career in law should be accessible and desirable
- Trade and Scotland on the global stage – supporting cross-border legal services
Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray said: “The Law Society of Scotland is a proudly non-partisan organisation. Our members come from across the political spectrum, but there are fundamental values we believe should be championed by the incoming government and all MPs.
“Every election is vital and our democracy should never be taken for granted. A fair and democratic society relies on an independent and robust justice system, and the UK’s stability and success is built on the dual pillars of the rule of law and the separation of powers.
“Politicians should respect and support these foundations, support remaining part of internationally agreed treaties on human rights, and end public attacks on our independent judiciary.
“Access to justice is a real and growing issue for Scotland’s community given its underfunding over decades. A justice system can only be fair if it is available to everyone. Investment in such access is urgently needed, including introducing new technology to improve the system.
“The other priorities that we have identified ahead of this election are similarly focused on benefitting people, businesses and other organisations in Scotland, alongside our own Scottish solicitor profession.”
2024 UK election priorities: A chance to deliver for justice
The Law Society of Scotland has set out its key asks of the next House of Commons and the next UK Government, whatever its political make up. With so many issues affecting justice devolved to the Scottish Parliament, we have focused our priorities for this election on those matters still reserved by law to the UK Parliament.
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