Jack Straw: Supreme Court opening is major milestone for government’s constitutional reform
16 October 2009
Jack Straw today marked the official opening of the new United Kingdom Supreme Court as a major milestone in the government’s constitutional reform programme and one that has been built on the strength of British tradition, culture and history.
Jack Straw, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, said:
‘The opening of the UK Supreme Court marks the culmination of a long – and very British – process of separating out the branches of the state. The official opening today finally delivers an idea which was first proposed by Gladstone in 1873, that the UK’s highest court should be separated from Parliament.
‘The creation of this new British institution is a significant step in the evolution of British tradition, culture and history – the very groundwork for our constitution which has developed organically over centuries – and provides greater clarity by further separating the judiciary from the legislature, underlining the independence of our judicial system.
‘Situated in Parliament Square – one of the most historic and recognisable public spaces in the world – the Supreme Court sits alongside other key British institutions – Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Treasury, further emphasising the clear and physical separation of powers.
‘This new institution will be much more visible than the one it replaces, providing greater access to the public than ever before. No longer will our highest court in the land be hidden at the end of a corridor in the House of Lords, but instead members of the public will be able to walk in off the street to see for themselves the work of our senior judiciary.’
The United Kingdom Supreme Court was set up under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. The Law Lords of the Appellate Committee have now become the first Justices and the Senior Law Lord, the President. The Supreme Court began its business on 1 October 2009.
It will be the final court of appeal for all civil cases in the United Kingdom, all criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and will also assume the devolution jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Notes to editors
Media enquiries contact Ministry of Justice press office: 020 3334 3536.
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