Truss: Courts impartial

LORD Chancellor Liz Truss has defended Britain’s courts after fierce criticism over the Brexit ruling.

But she did not condemn attacks on senior judges branded “enemies of the people” over their decision.

Barristers called on her to intervene after anger from MPs and newspapers over the High Court ruling that Parliament should vote on triggering Article 50 to start Brexit.

Three judges decided the Government would need the backing of the House of Commons and the Lords to begin.

Ms Truss, who is also the Justice Secretary, said yesterday: “The independence of the judiciary is the foundation upon which our rule of law is built and our judiciary is rightly respected the world over for its independence and impartiality.” The Bar Council, the professional body representing barristers, had urged her to speak out as a “matter of urgency”, adding: “A strong independent judiciary is essential to a functioning democracy and to upholding the rule of law.” Meanwhile, Tory MPs called on Prime Minister Theresa May to calm the bitter backlash. Bob Neill, Conservative chairman of the justice select committee, said the attacks had “no place in a civilised land”. He added: “Some members of Parliament do not appear to understand that this judgment had nothing do with subverting the will of the people.” The Government will seek to overturn the High Court decision at the Supreme Court, the UK’s highest court of appeal, next month.