Scots lawyers give backing to High Court judges over Brexit

Scotland's legal profession has launched a defence of the judiciary amid criticism of the High Court's decision on Brexit.

Eilidh Wiseman President of the Law Society of Scotland. Picture Ian Rutherford

There has been criticism of the London court’s ruling last week which means parliament must be given a vote on whether the UK can begin the process of leaving the EU.

Yesterday, Ukip leadership hopeful Suzanne Evans became the latest to question the role of the judiciary, saying it should be “subject to some kind of democratic control”.

But in a letter to The Scotsman, the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates said the UK needed “strong, independent” judges.

Eilidh Wiseman, president of the Law Society and the Faculty’s Gordon Jackson, said: “The government has already stated its intention to appeal the judgment. Whether the Supreme Court will have the same view as the High Court remains to be seen. If it does, then it will be for MPs to ensure that they properly represent their constituents as the debate on Brexit moves forwards. No matter where the political debate takes us, the High Court judgment has demonstrated that the judiciary and legal profession act independently.”