The Law Society has welcomed today's announcement in the Queen's speech that the government will legislate to simplify and improve the law but expressed concern over immigration reforms.
The Consumer Rights, Intellectual Property and Deregulation Bills offer the opportunity to consolidate complex, yet important, areas of law with potentially substantial benefits.
Law Society president Lucy Scott-Moncrieff said the Law Society welcomes a bill which will modernise UK consumer law, protect consumers and ensure fair and free competition in markets.
'Consumer law in the UK is complicated and out of date and a clear and strong legal framework is vital for well functioning markets. As the bill passes through parliament the Society will be engaging with the parliamentary process and the wider public debate, helping to make sure the Bill delivers that effective and modern consumer law framework fit for the 21st century.'
The Law Society believes the Intellectual Property Bill will implement much needed reforms to the copyright and intellectual property regime.
Ms Scott-Moncrieff said:
'The current statute governing this complex area of law is clearly out of date, having been drafted before the advent of the internet. The Law Society's Intellectual Property Working Party will continue to work closely with the Government to ensure that the legislation achieves its aims of promoting innovation and growth.'
Meanwhile, the planned Deregulation Bill offers an opportunity to continue the development of the better regulation agenda, reducing the burden on business and aiding growth.
Ms Scott-Moncrieff said:
'In some sectors of the economy – not least legal services – the regulatory burden can be substantial, acting as a brake on growth. Efforts to asses the overall regulatory burden are welcome, and the Society’s members, expert advisers to businesses up and down the country, are well placed to assist. Key will be ensuring that changes are proportionate, and without unexpected knock-on costs.'
However, commenting on the announcement that the government will legislate to reform the immigration system, Ms Scott-Moncrieff welcomed efforts to improve efficiency, but expressed concern about the possible impact on business.
'The UK legal profession is an international success story: British law firms are among the biggest and best in the world, turning over almost £30bn per year. However, the sector relies on a stable and attractive business environment and attracting the best talent to fuel this success.
'There is a danger that, coupled with ongoing reforms to the UK banking sector and increasing uncertainty over the future of the UK's relationship with the EU, that international firms and potential investors will begin to think twice about basing themselves in the UK. We’ll be working closely with government over the next parliamentary session to ensure this does not happen.'
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About the Law Society of England and Wales
The Law Society of England and Wales is the independent professional body, established for solicitors in 1825, that works globally to support and represent its members, promoting the highest professional standards and the rule of law.
Press contact
Rebecca Kiernan
020 7316 5581
rebecca.kiernan@lawsociety.org.uk