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  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Speech at the London Defence Conference

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Speech at the London Defence Conference

    The speech made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 8 May 2025.

    It is a real privilege to be able to speak to you here today on VE Day.

    80 years to the day…

    Since an expectant nation turned on the wireless – as of course it was then…

    To hear Churchill announce victory in our war against Nazi Germany.

    Just imagine it.

    Beacons lit across the country…

    Bunting up…

    People raising their glasses and thanking the bravery of our armed forces…

    As we will do today.

    And then they came to the streets.

    The late Queen Elizabeth II – who was then a young princess of just 19 –

    Remembering going unnoticed in the crowds, swept up in a ‘tide of happiness and relief’.

    A celebration of defiance…

    Of sacrifice…

    The courage of that lion-hearted generation…

    The greatest victory in the history of this great nation.

    A victory not just for Britain.

    But for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil…

    For the light of our values – in a world that tried to put them out.

    And, as you know…

    There are people who would happily do likewise today.

    Our values and security are confronted on a daily basis.

    And we have to rise to this moment.

    80 years ago, just round the corner from here, Churchill said…

    “We must begin the task of rebuilding…

    Do our utmost to make this country a land in which all have a chance…

    And in which all have a duty to our countrymen”.

    The post-war generation took on that task on with relish.

    And we must use this moment…

    To do the same.

    Deepening our partnerships with allies old and new –

    From across Europe to meet the defence challenges of our age…

    To the United States…

    an indispensable ally for our economic and national security…

    As you know, talks with the US have been ongoing – and you’ll hear more about that later today.

    But make no mistake – I will always act in our national interest…

    For workers, businesses and families…

    To deliver security and renewal for our country.

    Because the world has changed, decisively.

    I mean, I remember – as some of you will also too…

    The day the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.

    A landmark moment for my generation.

    A sense of freedom, of possibility, of peace.

    European countries finally free to choose their own future.

    I didn’t think then that in my lifetime I would see Russian tanks entering a European country again.

    Yet here we are.

    And here we stand resolutely…

    With the people of Ukraine.

    Together with our allies…

    Showing the strength of our values…

    As well as the value of our strength.

    A few weeks ago, I was with the Prime Minister of New Zealand…

    To visit our forces delivering Operation INTERFLEX in Wiltshire.

    This is a multinational military operation…

    That has trained more than 50,000 Ukrainian troops for the frontline.

    Men and women who are not soldiers by trade…

    Far from it.

    They are accountants, they are builders, businesspeople, you name it.

    Who stepped up from their lives…

    Stepped away from their families…

    And, as veterans did eighty years ago…

    Answered the call to defend freedom and liberty in their homeland.

    And as these brave men and women leave their training in Britain…

    And head to the frontline of freedom…

    They are applauded by their British trainers.

    I’ve seen this a couple of times now – it’s a really humbling sight.

    A sign of our support and solidary in their struggle…

    Pride and admiration at their courage.

    Because in this country we know – this isn’t just a fight for freedom and democracy in Ukraine.

    No – it is a new, more dangerous era of history.

    A period of global instability…

    That fuels insecurity for working people here at home.

    The British people have already paid a price for Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, with rising bills and prices.

    Russia already menaces our security…

    They’ve launched cyber-attacks on our NHS.

    Spread disinformation online…

    And we cannot forget, just a few years ago – a chemical weapons attack on our streets in Salisbury.

    In broad daylight, in the heart of England.

    No – the battle lines in Ukraine are the front line for Western values.

    And the argument that defines this age is simple…

    National security is economic security.

    And that is why we are boosting defence spending, with the largest sustained increase since the Cold War…

    An increase of £13.4bn year on year compared with where we are today.

    Not just meeting our commitment to spend 2.5% of our GDP on defence…

    But bringing it forward to 2027.

    And, alongside that, a new ambition for defence spending to rise to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament.

    But look, I do want to be clear – this investment has two objectives.

    Yes of course, the first goal is always the safety and security of the United Kingdom.

    But the second is to create jobs, wealth and opportunity in every corner of our country.

    Secure at home, strong abroad.

    You know – at times like this there is a lot of talk about the end of the peace dividend.

    Well, our task now is to seize the defence dividend.

    Felt directly in the pockets of working people.

    Rebuilding our industrial base.

    Creating the jobs of the future.

    The skills for the next generation…

    From the shipyards in Scotland…

    To the missile systems built in Stevenage and Belfast….

    The artillery barrels made at Sheffield forgemasters…

    And the land vehicle development in Wales…

    Mark my words – the British defence industry will be the engine of national renewal.

    Because this isn’t just about increasing our defence spending…

    It’s also about reform and rebuilding.

    And in the coming weeks, we will publish a first-of-its kind, root and branch strategic defence review…

    It will scrutinise every aspect of defence – to determine how we can best meet the threats of today…

    And return Britain to warfighting readiness.

    Alongside our National Security Strategy and our defence industrial strategy…

    We will set out a major overhaul of the British Armed Services…

    Starting by treating our Armed Forces with the respect that they deserve –

    delivering the largest pay rise for over 20 years…

    And good homes for service personnel and their families.

    But also – the biggest shift in mindset in my lifetime –

    To see security and defence…

    Not as one priority amongst many others…

    But as the central organising principle of government –

    The first thought in the morning – the last at night…

    The pillar on which everything else stands or falls.

    Because – as in 1945…

    This has to be a collective endeavour.

    A national effort.

    A time for the state, business and society to join hands…

    In pursuit of the security of the nation…

    And the prosperity of its people.

    So whether you’re a world-renowned business…

    Or a smaller, family-run firm…

    You have a vital part to play in boosting Britain’s defences.

    That is why we have launched a new unit – to help SMEs get their foot in the door of the defence supply chain.

    Because I am clear – the future belongs to the innovators.

    Take the announcement made just last week…

    StormShroud drones…

    Flying as uncrewed guardians to RAF pilots and crew…

    Now, for the first time, made in Britain.

    An investment that supports hundreds of highly skilled jobs…

    Boosting our capabilities for the modern age of drone-based warfare.

    Possible – only because of industry and military working together.

    Or take the submarines that we’re building in Barrow.

    This one is personal for me.

    Not just because I was there in Barrow at the keel laying in March –

    Not just because I met the workers and the apprentices and saw for myself what it means for them…

    And of course the 42,000 jobs it supports up and down the country…

    It’s also personal for me because just a few days before that visit…

    I went up to the Firth of Clyde, as another boat made in Barrow –

    A Vanguard-class submarine…

    Was coming in off a record-breaking patrol.

    We boarded the sub and met the crew – who had been at sea for months on end.

    And meeting those remarkable men and women is something I’ll never forget.

    There is no greater duty than the one that they carry –

    No task more vital.

    Our security…

    Nato’s security…

    Depends on them.

    They are the quiet custodians of the nation’s greatest capability…

    Part of an unbroken watch that has been maintained for 55 years.

    And in this moment – it’s time for the rest of us to step up and rebuild our country…

    Leading the world in the opportunities of the future.

    Recently, I visited the Carrier Strike Group off the coast of Cornwall…

    And stayed aboard HMS Prince of Wales…

    It was frankly humbling to see F35s taking off with just 100metres of deck to take off – and then returning and hovering to land on a sixpence

    So imagine how I felt later the very same day when I went to see the apprentices at Rolls Royce…Who had made the engines for those very F35s.

    And we need to keep those apprentices busy…

    And mark my words – we are going to do that.

    With the most ambitious programme of work to secure and rebuild our country since 1945.

    Take an example: today, I can announce a £563 million contract to maintain Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets.

    The backbone of Britain’s air defence…

    Proudly part of the flypast for VE Day that you may have seen on Monday.

    All 130 Typhoons will have their engines maintained by Rolls-Royce…

    Supporting hundreds of jobs in Bristol and beyond…

    Defending British airspace.

    Helping a new generation of service come of age.

    And just imagine – what this means for a young apprentice, aged about 18.

    Entering into the work force with a good job.

    The pride of that work – as a proud I understand from my dad…

    Of knowing that what you do, what you make matters.

    The pride of following in the footsteps of local families…

    Who have been the backbone of their communities for generations.

    The grandchildren of the young men who fought on the beaches of Normandy…

    Now the submariners on a Vanguard-class submarine.

    The descendants of the code breakers at Bletchley…

    Now learning the skills to build a new generation of nuclear submarines in Barrow.

    And the pride of stepping into our national story…

    So those who follow us can say…

    We also rose to meet the moment.

    We also stood firm against tyranny and oppression.

    We also rebuilt Britain – so it serves everyone that serves our country.

    Because on VE day 80 years ago…

    Politicians of all parties and stripes understood that a people who had sacrificed so much were owed a great debt.

    And the truth is – people today are too.

    After years of being buffeted about by insecurity and uncertainty…

    They are owed the same security…

    the same prosperity and peace of mind…

    A good home to live in…

    A well-paid job with strong rights at work…

    An NHS that is there for them when they need it…

    all underpinned by the foundation of national security.

    A defence dividend – that will be felt in the pockets of working people and the prosperity of the country.

    An investment in peace…

    But also an investment in British pride and the British people…

    To build a nation that, once again, lives up to the promises made to that generation…

    Who fought for our values, our freedom and our security.

    Thank you very much indeed.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Launches £10 Million Genomics Initiative to Combat Animal and Plant Diseases

    NEWS STORY : UK Launches £10 Million Genomics Initiative to Combat Animal and Plant Diseases

    STORY

    The UK government has announced a £10 million investment in advanced genomic technologies to enhance the nation’s biosecurity and protect its agriculture, environment, and economy from the escalating threats of animal and plant diseases. The funding will support the Genomics for Animal and Plant Disease Consortium (GAP-DC), led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This initiative aims to implement cutting-edge genome sequencing techniques to detect, identify, and monitor pathogens across animal, plant, and aquatic environments. By reading the complete genetic code of organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and animals, scientists can trace disease outbreaks with greater precision and speed.

    Dr. Jenny Stewart, APHA’s Interim Chief Executive, emphasized the significance of this development: “Disease presents a significant risk to our farmers, global trade, and human health. This vital funding and collaboration with world-leading experts will help APHA identify and tackle disease risk more effectively.”

    The UK faces substantial economic threats from pests and diseases. Invasive species alone are estimated to cost the economy £4 billion annually, while plant pathogens and pests contribute to significant crop losses. Ash dieback, a disease affecting ash trees, is projected to cost the UK £15 billion over the coming decades. Additionally, livestock diseases such as avian influenza have had devastating impacts, with the poultry meat sector incurring losses exceeding £100 million over a two-year period.

    The GAP-DC project will focus on several key areas:

    – Enhancing the speed of pathogen detection at UK borders.

    – Addressing new and re-emerging disease outbreaks.

    – Developing strategies to control and mitigate endemic diseases.

    – Investigating disease spillover from wild animals and plants, such as the transmission of viruses between species.

    This initiative involves collaboration with seven expert partners and is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, aiming to bolster the UK’s resilience against biological threats. The announcement coincides with National Plant Health Week (5–12 May 2025), underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources

  • PRESS RELEASE : President Putin’s transparently cynical pauses do not create the conditions for talks on a lasting peace – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : President Putin’s transparently cynical pauses do not create the conditions for talks on a lasting peace – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

    Ambassador Holland urges Russia to respond substantively to the Moscow Mechanism recommendations and prove they are serious about peace by agreeing to a full and unconditional ceasefire.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.  Minister Betsa, thank you for your address today.  What an excellent exposé of what is at stake.  Thank you being here and for reminding us once again.

    We welcome Ukraine’s continued commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace, as you have reaffirmed in your statement.

    President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace by agreeing in principle to a full and unconditional ceasefire.  By contrast, President Putin has not only refused to agree to that but has further stepped-up attacks on Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles.  In April Russia intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 151 civilians. And just yesterday, as Russia spoke of yet another artificial ceasefire, Moscow launched a ballistic missile and drone attack on a residential area of Kyiv, killing at least 2 people and injury 8, including 4 children.

    If President Putin were serious about peace, Russia would agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as Ukraine has done. His 72-hour Victory Day proposal is another transparently cynical pause which does not create the necessary conditions for talks aimed at achieving a lasting peace.  It cannot be taken seriously, particularly given Ukraine’s experience of President Putin’s so-called truce over Easter: the UK’s Defence Intelligence found no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed by Russia, despite President Putin’s promises.

    We will judge President Putin by his actions not his words, and his actions suggest he has no interest in peace.  To prove he is serious about peace he must agree to the full and unconditional ceasefire offered by Ukraine and supported by the United States.

    Mister Chair, earlier this week the Human Rights Centre Zmina organised a side event in the margins of the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on the issue of civil society resistance and losses during Russia’s war against Ukraine.  It placed a spotlight on the vital work of Ukraine’s brave civil society members and the high price that too many of them have tragically paid for their work amid Russia’s war.

    Russia continues to arbitrarily detain thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including human rights defenders and journalists.  This was established by a mission of independent experts who, a little over a year ago, reported to the Permanent Council following the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism.

    The Mission found that detainees had been subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, sexual violence and other forms of serious mistreatment.  The Mission also recorded cases of extrajudicial killings of arbitrarily detained Ukrainian civilians.

    The expert mission made a range of recommendations to the Russian Federation.  A year later, these remain unanswered; just like those from the other four Moscow Mechanism reports.  We urge the Russian Federation to respond substantively to all these recommendations and release, without delay, all Ukrainian civilians who continue to be held arbitrarily.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.

  • NEWS STORY : UK and US Announce Landmark Tariff Agreement to Boost Bilateral Trade

    NEWS STORY : UK and US Announce Landmark Tariff Agreement to Boost Bilateral Trade

    STORY

    The United Kingdom and the United States have unveiled a significant trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and enhancing economic ties between the two nations. This deal marks the first major bilateral trade accord since the UK’s departure from the European Union and the first under President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff regime. Under the new agreement, the United States will reduce tariffs on British car exports from 27.5% to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually. Additionally, tariffs on British steel and aluminium exports will be eliminated entirely within specified quotas. Tariffs on US ethanol and UK-manufactured Rolls-Royce aircraft engines will also be removed.

    President Trump hailed the deal as a “full and comprehensive” agreement that will “cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.” He emphasised that the agreement would open up billions of dollars in new export opportunities for American producers and strengthen national security for both countries. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as a “historic day” and a testament to the close working relationship between the two nations. He highlighted that the deal would boost trade, protect and create jobs, and open market access, particularly benefiting the UK’s automotive and steel industries.

    The agreement maintains the UK’s food safety standards, with no concessions made on importing chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-treated beef. However, concerns have been raised about potential UK concessions on digital regulation and tech taxation, areas that remain under negotiation. While the agreement is seen as a significant step in strengthening US-UK economic relations, some opposition MPs have called for greater parliamentary scrutiny of the deal’s terms. The UK continues to pursue additional trade agreements, including recent negotiations with India and efforts to ease trade barriers with the European Union.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sentence increase for child groomer following intervention by Solicitor General [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sentence increase for child groomer following intervention by Solicitor General [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 8 May 2025.

    A man who groomed and sexually abused a child has had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

    Yusuf Kayat, 54, from Leeds has had his sentence increased by four years after the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    The court heard that the offences took place more than 30 years ago between 1989 and 1992. Kayat, who was known to the victim as ‘Kosh’, met the victim when he was 19 years old, and she was 10 years old.

    Kayat started the offending by grooming the victim, driving her around in his car and buying her gifts, including alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis.

    After gaining her trust, he had sexual intercourse with the victim in various locations including in his car.

    Kayat also forced the victim to perform sexual acts on his friends. Sometimes there would be multiple men, and Kayat would reward the victim with food from takeaways.

    In a Victim’s Impact Statement, the victim said that since the offending she has experienced constant fear, anxiety, flack backs and panic attacks. The impact on the victim’s life has been profound and devastating.

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    Yusuf Kayat’s crimes were abhorrent. His grooming of the victim was highly calculated, who was only 10 years old when the abuse first began, before carrying out multiple sexual offences over several years.

    I welcome the court’s decision to increase Kayat’s sentence. Today my thoughts are with Kayat’s victim & her family.

    On 5 February 2025, Yusuf Kayat was sentenced to 20 years and a further one year on licence, after he was found guilty on 17 charges at Leeds Crown Court.

    On 7 May 2025, Kayat’s sentence was quashed and substituted with a 24-year sentence and a further one year on licence after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

  • NEWS STORY : Reform UK’s Joel Tetlow Under Fire for Sharing Hitler Meme on VE Week

    NEWS STORY : Reform UK’s Joel Tetlow Under Fire for Sharing Hitler Meme on VE Week

    STORY

    Newly elected Reform UK councillor Joel Tetlow is under intense scrutiny after sharing a controversial meme featuring Adolf Hitler on social media during VE Week commemorations. The post, which depicted Hitler overlooking a map of Europe with an apparent reference to small boats crossing the Channel, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for his suspension.

    Despite the backlash, Reform UK has decided not to suspend Councillor Tetlow. The party’s stance has been met with criticism from various quarters, including fellow politicians and community members. Sarah Smith, a local political figure, publicly called on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to take immediate action, stating, “I am calling on Nigel Farage and Reform UK to immediately suspend Councillor Joel Tetlow from their party.”

    Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith and Blackpool South MP Chris Webb both called the Reform to suspend the councillor who has just been elected to Lancashire County Council.

  • NEWS STORY : Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates to 4.25% Amid Economic Uncertainty

    NEWS STORY : Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates to 4.25% Amid Economic Uncertainty

    STORY

    The Bank of England has reduced its base interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25%, marking the fourth cut since August 2024 and the most rapid easing of monetary policy since the 2008 financial crisis. This decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which voted 8-1 in favour of the cut, aims to bolster the UK economy amid slowing inflation and heightened global trade tensions. Inflation has declined from a peak of 11.1% in October 2022 to 2.6% in March 2025, approaching the Bank’s 2% target.

    The recent imposition of tariffs by the United States has introduced additional economic uncertainty, prompting the Bank to adjust its growth and inflation forecasts downward. Governor Andrew Bailey indicated that further rate cuts could be considered if economic conditions continue to deteriorate. For homeowners, the rate cut offers some relief. Approximately 590,000 borrowers with base-rate tracker mortgages will see immediate reductions in their monthly payments. However, the majority of mortgage holders on fixed-rate deals will not experience immediate changes. Looking ahead, financial markets anticipate additional rate reductions, potentially bringing the base rate down to 3.5% by the end of 2025. This outlook reflects ongoing concerns about economic growth and the impact of international trade developments.

  • NEWS STORY : Kara Owen Appointed as UK Ambassador to Ireland

    NEWS STORY : Kara Owen Appointed as UK Ambassador to Ireland

    STORY

    The UK government has announced the appointment of Ms Kara Owen CMG CVO as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland, succeeding Mr Paul Johnston and Ms Owen is set to assume her new role in September 2025. Ms Owen brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the position. Her recent roles include serving as British High Commissioner to Singapore from 2019 to 2024, and as Director for the Americas at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) between 2016 and 2019. Her career also encompasses postings in Paris, Hanoi, and Hong Kong, as well as senior positions within the FCO, including Director for Diversity and Equality and Head of Strategy and Network Department.

    Mr Paul Johnston, who has served as Ambassador to Ireland since September 2020, will be concluding his tenure later this year. During his time in Dublin, Mr Johnston navigated significant events such as the implementation of the post-Brexit trade arrangements and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. His prior diplomatic service includes roles as British Ambassador to Sweden and Deputy Permanent Representative to NATO. Ms Owen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for UK-Ireland relations, with ongoing collaboration on trade, security, and cultural exchange.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2025.

    Ms Kara Owen CMG CVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland in succession to Mr Paul Johnston.  Ms Owen will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Kara Justine Owen

    Year Role
    July 2024 to present Projects/ pre-posting preparation with FCDO
    2019 to 2024 Singapore, British High Commissioner
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Americas
    2012 to 2016 Paris, Deputy Head of Mission
    2011 to 2012 FCO, Head of Strategy and Network Department, Consular
    2009 to 2011 FCO, Director for Diversity and Equality
    2005 to 2009 Hanoi, Deputy Head of Mission
    2003 to 2005 FCO, Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
    2001 to 2003 FCO, Assistant Private Secretary to Junior Ministers
    2000 to 2001 FCO, EU Policy Officer
    1996 to 2000 Hong Kong, Vice Consul and later Vice Consul political
    1995 to 1996 FCO, Cantonese language training
    1993 to 1995 FCO, Joint Assistance Unit (Know How Fund)
    1993 Joined FCO
  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Law Commissioners to the Law Commission [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Law Commissioners to the Law Commission [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 8 May 2025.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Professor Solene Rowan and Professor Lisa Webley as Commissioners of the Law Commission of England and Wales.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of:

    • Professor Solene Rowan as the Law Commissioner for Commercial & Common Law from 8 September 2025 to 7 September 2030
    • Professor Lisa Webley as the Law Commissioner for Property, Family & Trust Law from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030.

    Professor Solène Rowan

    Professor Solène Rowan is currently the Chair of Contract Law, the Vice-Dean for Students, Culture & Community, and the Director of the LLB / Master 1 programme at the Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London. She is also an Honorary Professor at the Australian National University and a Visiting Professor at Paris Panthéon-Assas University.

    Solène’s principal areas of expertise are contract law, commercial law, and comparative law, all with a particular focus on remedies. She is an award-winning author of two monographs and articles in leading international legal publications, and a member of the editorial team of Chitty on Contracts. Her work has been widely cited by law reformers and courts domestically and abroad.

    Solène was previously a Professor at the University of Oxford, an Associate Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the Australian National University, and a Fellow and College Lecturer in Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge. She read law as an undergraduate at King’s College London and Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne University and obtained an LLM and a PhD from the University of Cambridge.

    Professor Lisa Webley

    Since 2018, Professor Webley has been the Chair in Legal Education and Research for the Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham. From 2019 –2023, she served as Head and Dean of Birmingham Law School.

    Both did not declare any political activity.

    The Law Commission aims to ensure that the law is as fair, modern, simple and as cost-effective as possible. It conducts research and consultations to make systematic recommendations for consideration by Parliament.

    Appointments of Commissioners to the Law Commission are made by the Lord Chancellor under the Law Commissions Act 1965.  Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.