All 1 James Heappey contributions to the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019

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Tue 11th Sep 2018
Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill
Commons Chamber

3rd reading: House of Commons & Report stage: House of Commons

Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill Debate

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Department: Home Office

Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill

James Heappey Excerpts
3rd reading: House of Commons & Report stage: House of Commons
Tuesday 11th September 2018

(6 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: Consideration of Bill Amendments as at 11 September 2018 - (11 Sep 2018)
James Heappey Portrait James Heappey (Wells) (Con)
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I am interested in the shadow Minister’s suggestion. Would he have any concerns about whether sufficient lawyers could be accredited to guarantee appropriate availability? Does he propose that they undergo some sort of security vetting in addition to their accreditation through the Law Society or whichever other organisation is deemed appropriate?

Nick Thomas-Symonds Portrait Nick Thomas-Symonds
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I am not aware of an area of law where there is currently a shortage of lawyers, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman will be able to tell me of one—I say that based on many years’ experience of practising as a lawyer. As for the second question, I have no issue with vetting people before they can join a panel. Indeed, it is the case now that people are considered for their expertise in professional matters before they join a legal panel. I am just making a perfectly practical suggestion that would deal with the Minister’s worries while preserving that highly important principle of legal professional privilege which, as I said in my opening remarks, the Supreme Court has said in recent weeks is vital to the rule of law in this country. We should not abrogate that as we seek to tackle the real terror threat before us. I hope that the Minister will at least undertake to go away and consider whether that could realistically be looked at in the other place. It is an important principle, and I do not want to divide the House on it, but whether there is to be a concession is a matter for the Minister.