‘Secret courts’ plan defeated

Published on 22/11/2012 01:39

The coalition government suffered a string of bruising defeats in the House of Lords last night on its secret courts legislation.

Peers from all parties joined forces to vote through by large majorities a series of safeguards to the use of closed material 
proceedings (CMPs).

Under CMPs, claimants in civil cases would be prevented from hearing all the evidence for fear of compromising national 
security.

Justice secretary Ken Clarke argues changes are needed to prevent the UK becoming a 
“global magnet” for people seeking taxpayer-funded settlements because they knew security-based evidence could not be used against them in court.