Justice: Judicial Appointments

Baroness Kennedy of Shaws Excerpts

Thursday 17th March 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

My noble friend makes a correct assessment of the figures for judicial appointments. The meeting last Monday was my first with the diversity group, and I made it very clear that as far as I am concerned, the concept of trickle-up is not a response to the diversity problem that we face in the judiciary.

[Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws]

My Lords—

[Lord Morris of Aberavon]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws]

Given the nature of the issue, I think that giving way was appropriate.

I remember that when I started at the Bar there were sets of chambers that used to say, “We don't take women”. We then made a great advance where chambers would say, “Women? We've got one”. We now have one woman in the Supreme Court. That has been the situation for seven years. It is not good enough. What is being done? There are four wonderful women in the Court of Appeal. Why is not one of them, such as Dame Mary Arden, being promoted to our Supreme Court?

[Lord McNally]

My Lords, I understand that there are two imminent vacancies to the Supreme Court. I am sure that everyone will be watching as to what happens with those appointments. The noble Baroness touches on another point. The professions themselves— the Bar, the Bar Council, the Law Society and their members—should show leadership in encouraging more women into the legal profession.