Liz Truss criticised for not defending Brexit case judges

The Lord Chief Justice has strongly criticised Lord Chancellor Liz Truss for failing to publicly defend judges involved in the landmark Brexit case.

Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, who was one of the High Court judges who ruled that Parliament, not the Prime Minister, had the final say on triggering Article 50, said Ms Truss had been “constitutionally wrong” not to stand up for the judiciary in the face of fierce press criticism.

The Lord Chief Justice criticised the stance taken by Ms Truss that it was not her role to tell the media what to write.

He told the Lords Constitution Committee: “To my mind, she was completely and absolutely wrong. “And I am very disappointed. “I can understand how the pressures were on in November but she has taken a position that is constitutionally, absolutely wrong.

“In short, I believe the Lord Chancellor is completely and utterly wrong in the view she takes.”

Lord Thomas said reaction led him to seek police advice on protection, something he had never felt the need to do while presiding over terrorism trials.

Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd.