The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lord Hain case raises pertinent questions
Sir, – It was most interesting to follow the recent case involving the naming of Sir Philip Green by Lord Hain, who cited parliamentary privilege to ensure his name entered the public domain.
To my mind, there are a couple of issues in this case.
Both have distorted things to their own ends.
Firstly Lord Hain has possibly abused his privileged position to undermine due judicial process, and secondly Sir Philip has abused his own position and wealth to protect himself from a possible criminal case.
Legal umbrage at Lord Hain’s involvement ignores the fact that civil law is largely written by and for the wealthy to ensure they get their own way because of the feat of arms, nowadays known as a bigger bank balance.
Sometimes the law is, and can be, an ass and those who defend this without question assume the same mantle.
The use of so-called non-disclosure agreements merely to prevent embarrassment and protect privilege is wrong, and clearly indicates that there is probably a viable case that needs to be heard.
Therefore Lord Hain is right in his assertion of public interest regardless of any conflict of interest he may have.
The public do have a right to know if someone is abusing their position.
Had Sir Philip not obtained an injunction then quite possibly the whole issue may well have gone unnoticed.
Just because someone is wealthy does not mean they are imbued with commonsense, but merely used to getting their own way.
Nick Cole. Balmacron Farmhouse, Meigle.