New report asks government to respect the rule of law
20 Nov 2025
2 minutes read
News
A major new report by the House of Lords Constitution Committee has urged the government to ensure the rule of law is respected and the public can access justice.
“This report makes a vital contribution at a time when the rule of law is under threat from governments and the powerful across the world, and when chronic underfunding of our justice system is denying us this vital public service,” said Law Society of England and Wales president Mark Evans.
“The Law Society has long campaigned for the rule of law to be supported as essential to our common good and economy and has contributed significantly to this report.
“The evidence the Law Society submitted for this report showed that economic stability and growth depend on a society that values and respects the rule of law. We are taking forward further research to demonstrate that essential relationship.
“Important elements highlighted in the report include the need for government ministers to comply with the state’s international obligations, ensure timely access to the courts and hold the government to account through parliamentary and public scrutiny of legislation.
“The Law Society also supports the committee’s recognition that the government needs to improve its support for legal aid and early legal advice, something we have long pushed for. The justice system must be sustainably funded to provide the public service our communities need.
Mark Evans concluded: “As the report shows, the legal profession is vital for a strong rule of law culture. The committee recommends that the government should avoid using damaging language towards legal professionals and take stronger action to defend them against attack.
“Over the last few years, the Law Society has seen an alarming rise in political rhetoric and criticism of judges and lawyers, which undermines the rule of law. Legal professionals should not be attacked just for simply carrying out their duty to serve the public.
“The Law Society’s statutory responsibility for supporting the rule of law has never been more important. We will continue to show how central the rule of law is to people’s everyday lives and livelihoods, push for practical government support for the justice system, and promote respect for lawyers and the public service they provide.”
The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.