Law Society urges Scottish MPs to champion the rule of law and access to justice

The Law Society of Scotland's has urged MPs elected in last week's UK General Election to respect and champion the rule of law and access to justice.

Law Society President Susan Murray has this week written to the Prime Minister, key Cabinet members and all Scottish MPs highlighting key areas the Society believes should be areas of focus. These include the rule of law and access to justice, strengthening the administrative justice system to ensure people can enforce their legal rights, combating financial crime, in addition to support for the sector and cross-border legal services. 

Susan Murray said: “Congratulations to all MPs who have been elected by voters in Scotland and across the UK. Democracy underpins our stability and prosperity, and is worthy of protection and celebration.

“We are the professional body for all Scottish solicitors, and therefore an entirely non-partisan organisation. We will continue to offer our legal expertise to all MPs and MSPs on legislation and other relevant matters.

“As we made clear during the election campaign, a fair and democratic society relies upon an independent and robust justice system. All MPs should respect and support these fundamental values.

“The priority areas we identified during the election campaign will benefit not only the solicitor profession but people, communities and businesses across Scotland and the wider UK.”

During the election campaign, the Law Society published its Election Priorities guide which identified six key areas of focus for the UK Government and MPs:

1. The rule of law – a fundamental part of society and the constitution
2. Access to justice – the justice system must be open and available to all
3. Administrative justice – to ensure people can enforce their legal rights
4. Protecting the public from financial crime – through anti-money laundering and other measures
5. The future of the legal profession – a career in law should be accessible and desirable
6. Trade and Scotland on the global stage – supporting cross-border legal services