Bar of NI & JUSTICE in Joint Rule of Law Panel Event

The Bar of Northern Ireland and JUSTICE, the law reform and human rights charity, are hosting a panel discussion on how an incoming Westminster government can advance the Rule of Law, ahead of a general election later this year.

The panel discussion, “A Manifesto for the Rule of Law”, is the second event in the Bar of NI’s Advancing the Rule of Law series and will take place at the Inn of Court, Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast on Thursday 01 February 2024 from 4pm-6pm.

Among the confirmed panellists are Baroness Shami Chakrabarti CBE, CP, Professor Brice Dickson, John Finucane MP and Fiona Doherty KC, Naomi Long MLA. The remaining panel members are due to be announced in the coming days.

Bernard Brady KC, Chair of the Bar of NI Rule of Law Committee, commented: “The Rule of Law is the cornerstone of civil democracy, and a guarantor of a fair and just society. It is a preeminent obligation of government to uphold the rule of law, to ensure its protection is available to all.

“The Bar of Northern Ireland is politically neutral; our members represent private citizens, government ministers and departmental officials alike. The professional obligation is the same. A robust independent Bar is essential to securing equality before the law, and equal access to justice, without which there would be no rule of law. The Bar’s commitment to these principles are our core values, and are without reservation or exception.

“I am delighted to be partnering with JUSTICE to facilitate this important discussion at this crucial time and am looking forward to what is shaping up to be an excellent panel of experts.”

Fiona Rutherford, Chief Executive of JUSTICE, added: “After over a decade of serious erosion, is vital that Westminster redoubles its efforts to repair and renew the UK’s commitment to the rule of law. We should reject misguided calls to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Respect for human rights is fundamental to the rule of law and the ECHR is a cornerstone of the Good Friday Agreement.

JUSTICE are thrilled to be working with the Bar of Northern Ireland on this event, and I encourage you all to join us for what will be a fascinating discussion.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. This event is opened to members of the Bar of NI and non-members. It is a free event but booking via lisa.mayes@barofni.org is essential.

2. Confirmed panellists to date:

- Naomi Long MLA, Former Justice Minister for NI

- Prof Brice Dickson, Queen’s University Belfast

- Shami Chakrabarti CBE, CP

- Fiona Doherty KC,Bar of Northern Ireland

- John Finucane MP, Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast