UKPOL.CO.UK

Blog

  • Alastair Campbell – 2024 Tribute to John Prescott

    Alastair Campbell – 2024 Tribute to John Prescott

    The tribute made by Alistair Campbell on 21 November 2024.

    JP RIP. There was nobody else like him. Tony could not have had a better deputy. Labour could not have had a better campaigner. The government could not have had a better negotiator and – yes, often, peacemaker. Hull could not have had a better MP. Of course he was combative but he had an enormous heart and a great capacity for friendship. Even with his horrible illness in later years, the old JP was always there. Love to Pauline, Jonathan and David and nothing but fond memories of a total one off who will be missed by so many.

  • OBITUARY : John Prescott (1938-2024)

    OBITUARY : John Prescott (1938-2024)

    OBITUARY : JOHN PRESCOTT (1938-2024)

    John Leslie Prescott, Baron Prescott, passed away on November 20, 2024, at the age of 86. A towering figure in British politics, Prescott served as the Deputy Prime Minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007, becoming a vital bridge between traditional Labour voters and the modernising forces of New Labour. Born on May 31, 1938, in Prestatyn, Wales, Prescott had humble beginnings. After failing the eleven-plus exam, he worked as a ship steward and became active in trade unions. He later earned degrees from Ruskin College and the University of Hull. His political journey began in earnest when he was elected Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull East in 1970, a position he held for 40 years.

    Prescott was renowned for his plain-speaking style and fierce advocacy for working-class issues. As Deputy Prime Minister, he played a pivotal role in maintaining cohesion within Blair’s administration, particularly during the often fractious relationship between Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown. Prescott’s portfolio included housing, environmental policies, and transportation reform, and he was instrumental in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. A man of contrasts, Prescott combined a deep connection to his working-class roots with an appetite for modern comforts, earning him the nickname “Two Jags” for his use of two official cars. His tenure was marked by controversies, including a public scuffle with a protester in 2001 and revelations of an extramarital affair in 2006. Nonetheless, his loyalty to Labour and his enduring commitment to social justice earned him widespread respect.

    After retiring from the House of Commons in 2010, Prescott was appointed a life peer, taking his seat in the House of Lords. He continued to advocate for climate action and media regulation and briefly returned to frontline politics as an advisor to Ed Miliband in 2015. In his later years, Prescott suffered a stroke in 2019 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He passed away peacefully in a care home, surrounded by his family and the music he loved. His wife Pauline and their sons, Jonathan and David, expressed their gratitude to the NHS and care staff who supported him in his final years.

    Tony Blair described him as “one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics”, while Gordon Brown called him “a working-class hero.” Prescott’s legacy lies in his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his lifelong fight for a fairer, greener society.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye [November 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 November 2024.

    The Prime Minister and President Erdoğan met in Baku earlier today.

    The Prime Minister gave his condolences following the appalling attack in October, he reiterated the UK stands with Türkiye against terrorism.

    The Prime Minister said the UK is keen to continue to collaborate with Türkiye on the clean energy transition, and the economic opportunities for businesses and jobs of the growing renewable industry.

    The leaders spoke of their commitment to further boosting the trading relationship between the two countries, currently worth £26 billion.

    Building on their meeting at the NATO Summit in July, the Prime Minister welcomed Türkiye‘s ongoing support to Ukraine – including bolstering security in the Black Sea.

    The leaders also spoke about tackling migration, and the continued positive cooperation on returns.

    Turning to the Middle East, the Prime Minister said there needed to be de-escalation and for partners to work together to ensure regional security and stability.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New National Youth Strategy to break down barriers to opportunity for young people [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New National Youth Strategy to break down barriers to opportunity for young people [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 12 November 2024.

    Young people will be invited to be part of a national conversation to help co-produce the Strategy to unlock opportunities in every community.

    • Plans launched to create new National Youth Strategy by young people, for young people, as part of the government’s mission to improve opportunity
    • An initial £85 million from government and £100 million from the Dormant Assets Scheme committed to improving youth outcomes

    Plans for a new National Youth Strategy designed to put the views of young people at the centre of decision-making on policies that affect them has been unveiled today by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

    Young people from across the country will be given the opportunity to co-produce a new approach with the government towards the support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates to benefit their lives and futures.

    The Strategy will prioritise delivering better coordinated youth services and policy at a local, regional and national level. It will make sure decision-making moves away from a one-size-fits all approach, handing power back to young people and their communities, and rebuilding a thriving and sustainable sector. This will help deliver on the government’s missions, spreading opportunities, making our streets safer and taking pressure off health services.

    To kickstart the process, the government is inviting young people to take part in a series of face-to-face engagements to ensure their perspectives and aspirations are at the heart of decision making. They will then be asked to share their views as part of a ‘Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Nation’ conversation on how best to help the next generation of young people.

    A youth advisory board will be established to work with the government throughout the development process, alongside in-depth engagement with youth organisations, industry leaders and academics specialising in youth issues.

    Following a pandemic where young people were denied valuable experiences, and with the pressures of social media and new technologies growing ever present, the Culture Secretary firmly believes that the challenges facing young people today are urgent and pressing, demanding a substantial change in direction of approach to young people and youth policy-making.

    As part of this shift in strategy, the Culture Secretary has confirmed in the House of Commons the difficult decision to wind down the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme from March 2025. The government believes that a new approach is needed to support young people with the challenges of today.

    More than £85 million will be allocated in recognition of the urgent need for more youth facilities. This will include £26 million of new funding for youth clubs to buy new equipment and undertake much needed renovations via the Better Youth Spaces programme. Existing youth centre projects already underway via the Youth Investment Fund will also be completed as part of the Government’s commitment to young people.

    The Culture Secretary has also announced that £100 million from the next tranche of dormant assets funding will be used to deliver youth outcomes between 2024 and 2028, supporting the provision of services, facilities and opportunities for young people across the country.

    Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

    For too long, the nation’s young people have been deprived of a meaningful seat at the table in the decisions that directly impact their lives.

    That is why this Government is committed to taking a bold, transformative approach to young people – one that walks alongside them and values their experiences and perspectives, rather than assuming we can simply swoop in and fix things for them.

    Through the co-production of a new National Youth Strategy, we will put young people back in charge of their own destiny, starting with better understanding of their lives and needs.

    This will allow us to shape policy that not only keeps up with the rapidly evolving challenges of today, but is also effective in ensuring that opportunity for young people is abundant in every postcode.”

    Minister for Youth, Stephanie Peacock said:

    The challenges faced by young people across the country are profound, yet this generation remains resilient and hopeful, driven by an ambition to create a future where opportunities are abundant, regardless of circumstances or postcode.

    To match this ambition, our approach to policymaking must adapt to embrace young voices and listen to their aspirations for a better future.

    Real change doesn’t happen overnight, and we’re committed to a long-term approach that unites multiple areas of government to work side by side with young people to find solutions together.

    As the new National Youth Strategy is developed, the government will continue to support access for young people to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home and volunteering opportunities. In addition, the government is committed to breaking down the barriers to opportunity for all young people across the country by:

    • Launching the Local Youth Transformation pilot. It will provide tools, guidance, peer challenge and funding to build back local authorities’ lost capability in the youth space, sowing the seeds for a much-needed rejuvenation of local youth services.
    • Expanding the Creative Careers Programme, which will open up new opportunities to access careers in the arts, and continue investment in multi-sport facilities that provides young people access to quality sports facilities on their doorsteps.

    This funding will complement the creation of a new Youth Guarantee to ensure every 18-21 year old in England is earning or learning, with eight trailblazer areas to be rolled in Spring 2025 and more details to be announced in the upcoming Get Britain Working White Paper. It will also complement the set up of the first trailblazer Young Futures Hubs and Local Prevention Partnerships.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £15 million funding boost to Help to Claim as Government ramps up move to Universal Credit [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : £15 million funding boost to Help to Claim as Government ramps up move to Universal Credit [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 12 November 2024.

    A £15 million funding boost to the Help to Claim scheme will support thousands of people moving from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced.

    • £15 million funding boost to support Government’s acceleration of Move to Universal Credit programme, before it ends in March 2026.
    • 943,343 households contacted between July 2022 and September 2024, with more than 60,000 migration notices expected to be issued each month from February 2025 to the end of the year.
    • Minister for Social Security and Disability urges people receiving migration notices to “act without delay.”

    The cash injection will support the free and independent advice delivered by Citizens Advice, in partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland, which has supported over one million people making a claim to Universal Credit since the programme launched in 2019.

    The additional funding follows an announcement at Budget bringing forward benefit reform with more than 800,000 people on the old ESA benefit moving to Universal Credit by March 2026 instead of 2028.

    The acceleration will bring more people into a modern benefit regime, continuing to ensure they are supported to look for and move into work, and comes ahead of the Get Britain Working White Paper – set to be unveiled later this Autumn.

    Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said:

    This funding boost will support many people as they make the move from old benefits to Universal Credit – ensuring customers feel confident and informed throughout the application process.

    I want to encourage anyone receiving a migration notice over the coming months to act without delay to secure quick access to benefit entitlement.

    The biggest reforms to employment support for a generation will also ensure more people get the help they need to get into work and on at work, by overhauling jobcentres, tackling inactivity with local work, health and skills plans, and delivering a Youth Guarantee.

    Help to Claim’s trained advisers provide help and support to anyone making a new Universal Credit claim, including people moving from a legacy benefit, and offer support up to their first correct payment. The advisers offer guidance on how Universal Credit works, how much you will get, collecting relevant evidence, and helping people complete the application.

    Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

    Over the last five years our specially trained advisers have supported thousands of people across Britain to navigate the move from old benefits to Universal Credit.

    We make our service as accessible as possible, offering phone, chat and British Sign Language options, so we’re there for people as they move over.

    This funding boost is credit to the vital support our advisers provide and means we’ll be able to help even more people make their first application.

    The £240 million for Get Britain Working White Paper includes funding for the rollout of “trailblazers” in local areas. These trailblazers will focus on reaching people who are not normally in touch with the system, while ensuring work and skills support is better integrated with the health service, so people get the joined-up health and employment support they need to get back into work and stay in work.

    The White Paper will develop:

    • A new jobs and careers service to help get more people into work, and get on in their work, by linking jobseekers with employers, with an increased focus on skills and careers;
    • Joined-up work, health and skills plans to tackle economic inactivity and boost employment, led by Mayors and local areas;
    • A new Youth Guarantee so that every young person is given the opportunity to earn or learn.

    The timeline for migration to Universal Credit can be found below:

    Your current benefit: When you may get your letter
    Tax credits, only if you are below State Pension age From March 2023
    Tax credits with Housing Benefit From April 2024
    Income Support, Income Support only, Income Support with tax credits, Income Support with Housing Benefit, Income Support with Housing Benefit and tax credits From April 2024
    Housing Benefits only From June 2024
    Income-related Employment Support Allowance (ESA), with Child Tax Credits From July 2024
    Tax credits (if you are of State Pension age and are asked to move to Pension Credit) From July 2024
    Tax credits (if you are of State Pension age and are asked to move to Universal Credit) From September 2024
    Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) From September 2024
    Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) only From September 2024
    Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with Housing Benefit From September 2024
  • Keir Starmer – 2024 Comments at COP29 in Baku

    Keir Starmer – 2024 Comments at COP29 in Baku

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 12 November 2024.

    I am here at COP this week…

    Because this government recognises that the world stands at a critical juncture in the climate crisis.

    And the United Kingdom not only has a critical role to play…

    But also, an opportunity to grasp…

    The chance to maximise opportunities for Britain…

    And make us more secure in the here and now.

    The way I see it, there are two paths ahead:

    One, the path of inaction and delay…

    Leading to further decline and vulnerability –

    Warming above 1.5 degrees will expose hundreds of thousands more people in the UK to flood risk…

    greater economic instability…

    And national insecurity.

    Or second, the path we walk, eyes wide open…

    not just to the challenges of today….

    But also fixed firmly on the opportunities of tomorrow.

    This is the path towards national security.

    Energy independence.

    And the economic stability necessary to boost living standards for working people.

    Let me be clear.

    There is no national security…

    There is no economic security…

    There is no global security…

    Without climate security.

    And this is a huge opportunity….

    For investment…

    For UK businesses…

    For British workers…

    If we act now – to lead the world in the economy of tomorrow.

    This is how we move towards better jobs…

    cheaper bills…

    higher growth…

    the industries and technologies of the future….

    And ensure the prosperity and security of our nation for decades to come.

    And the prosperity and security of our nation are the issues the British people care about.

    And that is why, from the beginning, this government has done things differently.

    Restoring our role as a climate leader on the world stage…

    As well as taking action at home.

    In the first 100 days of this government….

    We scrapped the ban on onshore wind.

    We committed to no new North Sea oil and gas licenses.

    Began to renew those North Sea communities…

    with a programme of investment in the jobs and industries of the future.

    We closed the UK’s final coal power plant at the end of September –

    Becoming the very first G7 economy to phase out coal power.

    And at the same time – we are on a mission to achieve clean power by 2030.

    We launched Great British Energy –

    A clean British Energy company…

    To improve our energy resilience

    Bring down people’s bills…

    And create the next generation of good, well-paid jobs.

    We set up the National Wealth Fund –

    To invest in tomorrow’s key industries.

    To build the infrastructure – the wind farms, solar farms, the grid infrastructure…

    To power and connect our country for decades to come.

    Because make no mistake – the race is on for the clean energy jobs of the future….

    The economy of tomorrow –

    And I don’t want to be in middle of the pack…

    I want to get ahead of the game.

    Whether that’s with carbon capture – in Teesside and Merseyside.

    Where last month, I announced funding for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage projects…

    That will create 4,000 new jobs – using the skills of oil and gas communities …

    As we accelerate towards Net Zero.

    Or green hydrogen –

    With investment announced in last month’s Budget…

    For 11 green hydrogen projects across Britain…

    from Bridgend to Barrow in Furness.

    This is good news for the people of Britain.

    It’s good for our businesses.

    It’s good for our country.

    And it’s good for the planet.

    So at this COP I was pleased to announce that we are building on our reputation as a climate leader…

    With the UK’s 2035 NDC target –

    To reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels.

    Our goal of 1.5C…

    Is aligned with our goals for growth.

    But a global problem also requires global partnership.

    Responsible international co-operation.

    Which is why we took the opportunity at this COP to again urge all Parties –

    To come forward with ambitious targets of their own.

    As we all agreed at the last COP.

    And through the NDC partnership, we are supporting developing countries to develop their own commitments.

    We will also soon be launching the Global Clean Power Alliance.

    A political alliance of countries committed to accelerating the clean energy transition…

    Including unlocking the private finances that are needed.

    That is why I was pleased to announce Scottish Power has awarded a £1 billion windfarm turbine contract to Siemens Gamesa…

    Part of their £24 billion investment plan to support British pioneering energy projects…

    Which will inject growth into our industrial heartlands…

    And support 1,300 local jobs around Hull…

    And produce enough clean energy to power 1 million homes.

    As well as the Clean Industry Bonus Scheme –

    To support offshore wind developers…

    Invest in cutting-edge manufacturing and ports…

    boost green jobs…

    and strengthen supply chains.

    And the launch of the new CIF Capital Market Mechanism…

    On the London Stock Exchange.

    A joint effort announced today with our international partners and the City of London…

    With the potential to mobilise up to 75 billion dollars…

    in additional climate capital for developing countries over the next decade.

    And cementing London as the world’s leading green global financial centre…

    Showing that Britain is open for business…

    And back as a global leader.

    This COP, the UK has sent a clear message.

    We are delivering on our promise for good jobs, cheaper bills, and higher growth.

    We are backing UK energy and security on the world stage.

    We are a key partner for countries, for investors and for businesses…

    And we are renewing UK climate leadership….

    To deliver for Britain.

    My mission is to make sure our country…

    and our children…

    have the prosperity…

    the security and the stability…

    that they deserve for generations to come.

    With this government, the UK will lead the way…

    And lead Britain and the world…

    into a cleaner, safer, a more prosperous future for all.

    Thank you very much.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva [November 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 November 2024.

    The Prime Minister met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva today during the COP29 summit.

    The Prime Minister said that growing the economy was his number one mission, and the recent Budget was about fixing the foundations to deliver on the promise of change after years of stagnation.

    They spoke about the climate challenge, and the Prime Minister reiterated that generating private finance was important to addressing the scale of the issue.

    They reflected on the strong and collaborative relationship between the UK and the IMF. The Prime Minister said he was committed to continued cooperation to support global growth, including in clean energy and renewable investment.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bathing water reforms to consider water sports and water quality [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bathing water reforms to consider water sports and water quality [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 November 2024.

    Defra invites the public, community and environmental groups, farmers, businesses and local authorities to share views on modernising bathing water regulations.

    • Consultation launched to modernise bathing waters in first shake up in over a decade
    • Reforms include removing fixed season dates from regulations and improved water quality measures
    • The public, environmental groups and businesses invited to contribute

    Changes to bathing water rules will prioritise public safety and water quality so more people can enjoy our rivers, lakes and seas throughout the seasons in the first shake up since 2013.

    Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England and Wales have over 550 designated bathing waters, which are monitored by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. Annual ratings classify each site as ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’ on the basis of water quality.

    In a consultation launched today (12 November), Defra and the Welsh Government are inviting the public, community groups, environmental groups, farmers, businesses and local authorities to share their views on modernising bathing water regulations to ensure a more flexible approach to designation and monitoring.

    The proposed changes, which will benefit cold water swimmers and other water sports enthusiasts, include:

    • Removal of fixed bathing water season dates (which currently runs from May to September) from the regulations to allow for a more flexible approach to monitoring, extending the dates of the bathing season to better reflect when people use bathing waters.
    • Expanding the legal definition of ‘bathers’ to include participants in water sports other than swimming, including paddle boarders and surfers.
    • Further considering water quality and public safety when applications for new bathing waters are assessed.
    • Introducing multiple testing points at bathing water sites.
    • Ending the automatic de-designation of bathing water status after 5 consecutive years of a site being rated ‘poor’, which can damage local tourism and businesses. Instead, underperforming sites will be individually reviewed by regulators, taking into account their unique circumstances.

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

    Bathing water sites are the pride of local communities across the country.

    But the current system is not working for all those who use and enjoy our bathing waters, and reform is long overdue.

    That is why this Government will give more people the opportunity to experience the benefits of our beautiful waters and connect with nature.

    Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of The Rivers Trust said:

    We welcome these proposed reforms to the Bathing Water rules, several of which we and other NGOs have been requesting for some time.

    Our rivers, lakes and beaches are a fantastic natural resource which should be available for people to enjoy confidently for their mental and physical wellbeing as well as providing opportunities for economic growth.

    We are particularly pleased to see the ending of automatic de-designation for waters which failed to meet standards after 5 years – the focus must be on driving improvements in our natural environment and not giving up when it gets hard.

    We will be urging Ministers to make the new system more transparent and to include a wider range of pollutants that can cause risks to public health. We hope that applications for new designations can open again in the Spring without any further delay.

    Ben Seal, Head of Access and Environment at Paddle UK, on behalf of the Clean Water Sports Alliance said:

    Access to clean, healthy, nature-rich blue spaces is crucial to the health and wellbeing of millions of people around the UK.

    We are a water sports nation, however, as a result of the sewage scandal, the public have become increasingly fearful of getting sick, doing the activity they love.

    Paddle UK and the 10 other National Governing Bodies of watersports that make up the Clean Water Sports Alliance, welcome the announcement that bathing waters rules are to be consulted on and brought up to date with new reforms.

    The 6 week consultation will be an important opportunity for the voices of recreational users to be heard. We encourage as many people to feed into the process as possible”.

    Gail Davies-Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru, said:

    Afonydd Cymru welcomes this consultation and support any resulting measures that improve the ecological health of rivers and the safety of recreational users.

    The review will need to give consideration to the extent that the current designation for Bathing Water, primarily designed for coastal waters, meets the different needs of our rivers including microbiological quality, levels of other potentially harmful pollutants, monitoring, public safety and damage or disturbance to flora and fauna, particularly for designated rivers.

    We look forward to engagement with the Consultation to ensure these matters are considered for Wales.

    Chris Coode, CEO of Thames21, said:

    We welcome the government’s announcement to reform the Bathing Water Regulations.  This is a crucial step towards improving water quality and the health of our rivers, especially in the areas we cover across London and the Thames Basin.

    Extending the dates of the bathing season and having a flexible approach to monitoring will generate valuable data, helping people to decide on whether they want to use their local river on any given day. We are also pleased with the government’s proposals to broaden the legal definition of ‘bathers’ to include other water lovers, not just swimmers.

    We look forward to playing our part in this consultation by contributing evidence alongside other key stakeholders. Additionally, we hope that the government will recognise the work of countless communities, groups and volunteers who have applied or plan to apply for bathing water designation and hope that the shortcomings of the bathing water application process are resolved.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga [November 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 November 2024.

    The Prime Minister met with the President of the World Bank Ajay Banga at the COP29 summit in Baku today.

    They agreed on the importance of mobilising private finance to strengthen action to tackle the climate challenge, and the Prime Minister welcomed the World Bank’s ambition in this area.

    The Prime Minister said he was delighted to announce the launch of the new CIF Capital Market Mechanism which will list on the London Stock Exchange. He thanked the President for his support and engagement in this area, and welcomed the confidence this showed in the UK’s economy.

    The Prime Minister said that this demonstrated London as a green finance capital, and bolstered Britain as an attractive place to invest in the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of His Honour Peter Rook KC as vice chair and member of the Parole Board [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of His Honour Peter Rook KC as vice chair and member of the Parole Board [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 12 November 2024.

    HH Peter Rook KC has been reappointed for 1 year from 1 February 2025 until 31 January 2026.

    The Parole Board is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). It works with its criminal justice partners to protect the public by risk assessing prisoners to decide whether they can be safely released into the community. It was established by the Criminal Justice Act 1967.

    The Lord Chancellor has reappointed His Honour Peter Rook KC as a judicial member of the Parole Board. In addition, the Chair of the Parole Board, Caroline Corby, has designated His Honour Peter Rook KC as the board’s vice chair. The vice chair will be expected to share in the leadership and governance of the Parole Board.

    Appointments and reappointments to the Parole Board (with the exception of judicial members) are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Biography

    HH Peter Rook KC was called to the Bar in 1973 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1991. In June 2005, he was appointed a senior circuit judge to sit at the Old Bailey retiring in 2017. He also sat as a judge in the Court of Appeal. He sat as a coroner between 2017 and 2019. He sat as a judge sitting in retirement until September 2024.

    HH Peter Rook KC was Chair of the Criminal Bar Association from 2002 until 2003. He was head of chambers, at 18 Red Lion Chambers, from 2002 until 2005. He is the co-author of a leading textbook now in its sixth edition “Sexual Offences: Law and Practice” – seventh edition to be published in 2025.