Today I have been fairly productive – a bit of real work, a podcast on the civil liberty reforms and fixed parliament rules set out in the Coalition agreement with Carl Gardner and I have been shoehorning the word ‘game-changing’ into as many conversations as possible. I even managed to say to a client that I would come up with some game-changing advice over the weekend. He seemed to appreciate it and expressed enthusiasm. He’s a good friend so he won’t mind my raising this on the blog. In fact, I rather suspect he’ll get me back quickly with some other cliche. I would not, ordinarily, discuss client or business matters!
A number of law bloggers and I plan to keep a very close watch on how well the new government implement their ambitious reforms. They may not have the money, which would be understandable, but if they don’t, I am sure they will tell us.
Guido is on the ball with this…
Farm-Gate : Spelman’s Agri-Business, Bio-Tech Lobbying Past
On the campaign trail David Cameron said
“It is the next big scandal waiting to happen. It’s an issue that crosses party lines and has tainted our politics for too long, an issue that exposes the far-too-cosy relationship between politics, government, business and money.”
This week Cameron appointed Caroline Spelman to be the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Obviously he feels that nanny-gate is all water under the bridge. Spelman’s long history in agricultural politics and lobbying somehow makes her an ideal candidate for the job in his judgment.
Will Spelman be the first to break the Ministerial Code in record time?
Reading the Evening Standard this evening I saw a rather sad picture of the prime minister stuck in traffic. He has given up with the Police escort outriders. I understand the need to show that savings are being made, but on a day when Stephen Timms was stabbed by a 21 year old woman in his constituency surgery, security is important – quite apart from the need for the PM to get about London quickly. I can’t imagine any voters will begrudge him police outriders and I hope he re-instates them. The BBC report states that Timms’ injuries are not life threatening – but this is shocking. We must ensure that MPs are given adequate protection – although, I suspect, that this stabbing could not have been predicted by anyone. I wish Stephen Timms a speedy recovery.
Neuberger warning over judicial independence
Only one Master of the Rolls has been executed since the office was created in the 13th century but the job can still sometimes feel precarious, Lord Neuberger has suggested. Interesting article.
College of Law royally buggers up its results: RollonFriday arse from elbow award
Tut tut… Buggering up the results can happen to any law school… I know… I used to run BPP law School. Admin goes awol sometimes – but why did the Criminal law tutor think it was a good idea to write an angry email to students warning them not to contact the press.
RollonFriday reports: “A spokeswoman for the College said that they were very sorry for the delay and that the results were up by 1pm. She added that the email warning students not to contact the press was sent by a tutor in a personal capacity and was not sanctioned by the College.” I can believe that!
Leigh Day charges £105 million (yes, £105,000,000) for Trafigura case
Normally a law firm would be subject to fat cattery ridicule/anger/vituperation for this eye watering claim – but I suspect in this case, some will think it poetic justice given Trafigura’s antics earlier in the year with superinjunctions. Good stuff… or should I say… good stuffing?! (RollonFriday)
Tsk! Whatever happened to the days of meeting at a central London pub the night before to find out your results in the first edition of the Times?
Hopefully now we have a Conservative government again, such traditions – along with foxhunting and looking up to one’s political superiors – will be restored.
reminds me of a time gone by when a friend who was struggling with the LPC went to see one of his tutors for clarification re re-sit extra tuition.
Friend was given a bit of a brush off with the helpful tutor saying, “look, we’re not a charity”
To which friend whipped out his results letter (i.e. a copy of their own letterhead) noting their charitable status at the foot of the page.
Arrogant morons.