England: Lord Chief Justice gives government short shrift over legal safeguard delays

The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales has criticised the UK government over delays in protecting the UK’s £25.7 billion a year legal industry ahead of Brexit.

Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd said in his final speech at a white-tie event at Mansion House that it is “essential” that the UK and EU agree a “flexible regime for the mutual recognition of enforcement of judgments for the future”.

He added: “Many months have elapsed since these points were made clear by the judiciary and the legal profession to Her Majesty’s government. There is no reason for further delay.”

Lord Thomas’ comments come after President of the Supreme Court Lord Neuberger said this week that in the wake of Brexit the common law would “remain as attuned to the demands of international business as it ever was” after Brexit.

He added: “Indeed, left, once again, to our own common law devices, we will in some respects be able to react more quickly and freely to developments in our fast-changing world.

“Brexit does not alter the fact that lawyers and judges in the UK are as internationally minded and expert as they ever have been.”