Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick is facing calls to apologize for his criticisms of judges, according to the Deputy Prime Minister. David Lammy raised concerns over the safety of judges who have been receiving threats in response to heightened tensions fueled by Conservative Party criticisms.
Jenrick has been vocal about his campaign against what he perceives as “activist” judges, suggesting the removal of 35 of them and alleging a widespread corruption within the judiciary. He has also advocated for the abolishment of the Sentencing Council, the Judicial Appointments Commission, and immigration tribunals.
In response to these remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of respecting the judiciary’s independence and urged Jenrick to retract his statements to ensure the safety and well-being of judges.
Legal bodies, including the Bar Council of England and Wales, have cautioned against demonizing lawyers for performing their duties, warning that such actions could endanger the judiciary. They expressed grave concerns over the hostile language directed at legal professionals.
Furthermore, Jenrick faced backlash for insinuating that over 30 immigration judges have ties to “open borders charities,” a claim that has been condemned by refugee support organizations. These groups denounced Jenrick’s comments, citing increased threats from far-right extremists.
The ongoing controversy underscores the need to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for legal professionals to carry out their duties effectively.