David Lammy – 2021 Comments on the Judicial Appointments Commission

The comments made by David Lammy, the Shadow Justice Secretary, on 20 May 2021.

Reports of discrimination and bullying by the Judicial Appointments Commission are very troubling but not wholly surprising.

While completing my Review into bias across the criminal justice system, I encountered resistance from the leadership of the Judicial Appointments Commission to the issues I raised. To this day, well qualified Black and ethnic minority candidates are being snubbed by what still looks like an old boys network.

It is right that the Equality and Human Rights Commission looks into these allegations. This will help determine whether the Judicial Appointments Commission is fit for purpose.

In addition the Government should set a clear, national target to achieve a representative judiciary and magistracy by 2025.