Opening of the Supreme Court (October 16, 2009)
The Prime Minister says the opening of the Supreme Court marks the next step in the UK’s “journey as a nation”.
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Read more about the Supreme Court
The Queen officially opened the Supreme Court today which sees the transfer of judicial authority away from the House of Lords.
Gordon Brown joined Justice Secretary Jack Straw and the Archbishop of Canterbury for a tour of the new building at Parliament Square.
During a speech to gathered justices, foreign heads of supreme courts and staff, Mr Brown said the separation of powers is now “cemented by statute”.
“The Supreme Court whose very existence reminds us that because of the protection offered to every citizen of the United Kingdom and because of the rule of law, our society can flourish, our economy can prosper, our democracy can endure and justice can always prevail.”
Jack Straw said the Law Lords have served the UK and many Commonwealth jurisdictions with “great distinction” over many years but that the institution was “obscured” from public scrutiny.
“In this place we now have this court - public, accessible, visible - situated in this square at the heart of our nation’s history over a millennium”
UK foreign policy news
- UK continues call for full settlement freeze (November 25, 2009)
- Global call for end to violence against women (November 25, 2009)
- Trial begins on human rights abuses in DRC (November 25, 2009)
- Commonwealth leaders head to Trinidad & Tobago (November 25, 2009)
- UK support for Kosovo is robust and enduring (November 24, 2009)
- Afghanistan is number one foreign policy priority (November 24, 2009)
- FCO appoints Head of Digital (November 24, 2009)
- 'A golden opportunity for Cyprus' (November 24, 2009)
- Be on the Ball for World Cup 2010 (November 23, 2009)
- Queen's Speech debate 2009 (November 23, 2009)
