The Law for Lawmakers Podcast

The Rule of Law and the City, with Andrew Denny

In episode five of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, Andrew Denny of A&O Shearman explores the relationship between business and the Rule of Law, and reflects on why legal certainty is one of the UK’s greatest economic strengths.  Denny argues that the UK’s historic reputation for upholding the Rule of Law has long played a central role in attracting foreign investment. Maintaining that reputation, he suggests, will be essential if the government is to deliver long-term economic growth.  Reflecting on the wider state of the Rule of Law, Denny warns that growing disagreement over what the term means can distract us from our common ground on the issue.   “The rule of law is vital to our personal freedom, and our freedom as a society,” he tells Fiona Rutherford, adding that he worries “it is slipping from our grasp.”  Drawing on his experience in the legal and business worlds, Denny explores the complex relationship between economic confidence, democratic stability, and the Rule of Law, arguing that its decline would have consequences far beyond the legal sector.

Legal Help for Lawmakers – Scrutinising Legislation, with Karl Turner MP

In this episode of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, Fiona is joined by Karl Turner MP for a conversation on jury trials, parliamentary scrutiny, and the future of the justice system. Turner examines the government’s proposed restrictions on jury trials and the wider implications of the Courts and Tribunals Bill. He reflects on the role of Parliament in scrutinising legislation, stressing that detailed examination by MPs and Peers is essential to identify flaws before laws (whose consequences are often long-lasting) are enacted. Turner argues that the House of Lords plays a vital safeguarding role in this process, describing it as a chamber that can prioritise expertise over politics and act as a check on poorly conceived policy. He also challenges the rationale behind jury reform, criticising the lack of evidence linking jury trials to court backlogs and warning that such measures risk undermining a fundamental protection within the justice system.

The Rule of Law: Guardrails of Democracy, with Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC

In today's episode, of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, Fiona chats to The Rt. Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC about the Rule of Law. Throughout their thorough conversation, Buckland explores the relationship between parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law, warning of the risks when political rhetoric undermines judicial independence. He also contests calls to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that the real issues lie in domestic law and that withdrawal could have serious constitutional and practical consequences.

Shami Chakrabarti on Holding Power to Account

In this episode of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, we are joined by Baroness Shami Chakrabarti for a conversation on accountability and the rule of law. Along with JUSTICE’s Fiona Rutherford, Chakrabarti explores the essential role of judicial review in holding government to account, challenging claims that it is “anti-democratic” and warning against growing political attacks on courts and judges. She also discusses the increasing risks to rights and freedoms (from restrictions on protest to the use of emerging technologies like AI) arguing that stronger safeguards and oversight are needed to prevent abuses of power.

Dominic Grieve on Power, Principles & Parliament

In this episode of the Law for Lawmakers podcast, we are joined by Dominic Grieve KC (former Attorney General for England and Wales and former Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee) for an in-depth conversation on power, principles, and Parliament. Along with JUSTICE's Fiona Rutherford, Grieve explores what parliamentary sovereignty - the principle that Parliament is the UK’s supreme legal authority - means in practice today, and why it is under increasing strain. He discusses the growing use of so-called “Henry VIII powers” and statutory instruments, which allow governments to amend legislation without a full Parliamentary vote, warning that this trend risks MPs and Peers losing meaningful control over the laws they pass.