Lord Chancellor seeks ‘good outcome’ for legal profession from Brexit

THE NEW Lord Chancellor David Gauke has told senior judges he wants a “good outcome” for the legal profession from the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

During his swearing-in ceremony in London yesterday, the Conservative MP for South West Hertfordshire said there must be “close and comprehensive arrangements” for judicial co-operation with the EU after the UK leaves the union.

The former solicitor, the first legally qualified Lord Chancellor since Ken Clarke left the office in 2012, said: “English Law and UK courts provide the certainty, clarity and flexibility that clients from around the world want.”

He added: “I know just how important this sector is, not just for London, but for cities and regions across the UK. That’s why I want an outcome from our negotiations with the EU that is good for our legal system and good for our position as a provider of legal services around the world, one that protects and promotes a strong and successful legal services sector. That means ensuring close and comprehensive arrangements for civil judicial cooperation with the EU after Brexit. It means a legal services sector that benefits from and serves as a catalyst for future trade.”

Addressing leading members of the judiciary, including Supreme Court President Lady Hale and the Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett, he said: “I want to see London continue to be an international hub for finance and legal services, but also see legal services continue to grow and thrive in regional centres serving as specialist hubs.”

Lord Burnett also said work must be done to ensure “appropriate legal instruments” are in place to provide support for courts as the country leaves the EU.