§ 29. Mr. Peter Luff (Mid-Worcestershire)What recent representations he has received on the protection of the political independence of the judiciary. [128475]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs (Mr. Christopher Leslie)We currently have judges of complete independence, probity and the very highest ability. The Government believe that they must continue to be independent, of both the Executive and the legislature. Proposals for an independent judicial appointments commission and a new supreme court have been published. Responses to the consultation documents that were published in July are still being received, as the consultation period finishes on 7 November.
§ Mr. LuffDoes the Minister understand that those of us with experience of other so-called independent appointments commissions, such as those in the NHS—
§ Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham)Or the Whips Office.
§ Mr. LuffOr the Whips Office, as my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) suggests. We have seen that the results have been completely distorted by the criteria laid down by Ministers. The commissions cannot be truly independent. I urge the Minister to reflect again on whether the proposals will genuinely enhance the independence of the judiciary.
§ Mr. LeslieI understand the warnings from the hon. Gentleman, but surely the House will support moves towards a more independent, transparent, open and accessible appointments system for the judiciary. I believe that that is possible, and so far I have not heard anyone oppose it.