Boris Johnson

The Law Society of Scotland hit out at the use of dismissive references to the legal profession, which politicians said comprises “lefty lawyers”.

Delivering his keynote speech at the virtual Conservative conference yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson talked about “stopping the whole criminal justice system from being hamstrung by what the home secretary would doubtless and rightly call the lefty human rights lawyers and other do-gooders”.

His comments followed those of Ms Patel, who had promised the “biggest overhaul of our asylum system in decades”.

President of the Law Society of Scotland, Amanda Millar, said: “It is extremely disappointing and frustrating to continue to hear and read about inflammatory language being used by senior government figures to describe the legal profession and its vitally important work.

“Lawyers dedicate their skills, experience and professionalism to protect and uphold people’s legal and human rights, ensuring those rights apply equally to all. In doing so, they are upholding the rule of law, a cornerstone of our society and democracy. They must be able to carry out this fundamental role without fear of intimidation or restrictions to their independence or impartiality.

“Every person in a position of power should reflect carefully on the language they use and respect the role of the legal profession in maintaining a democratic and civil society.”

Dean of Faculty, Roddy Dunlop QC, said that the Faculty of Advocates “will represent litigants with a statable case against [the UK government] without fear or favour. As they must. They should not be decried for doing their professional duty”.