On 15 January 2025, the Attorney General KC delivered a speech to the
Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts at the
Guildhall.
"Thank you for the kind introduction. It is an absolute pleasure
to be here on behalf of HM Government alongside my colleagues the
Solicitor General, , and the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, . We are here, like all of you
to lend our support to the importance of the work that SIFoCC.
This building and those that surround it in this the most famous
of all square miles has been central to the story of our islands
and to its success. I can think therefore of no more fitting
place to talk about the marriage of two of the most cherished
aims of this government namely growth and the rule of law.
This Government is absolutely committed to its mission to
kickstart economic growth and raise living standards across the
UK. Without sustainable long-term growth, it is not possible to
build wealth in communities, create well-paying jobs, or ensure
there is investment in public services.
The clear link between economic growth and the rule of law is now
well established and underpinned by rigorous analysis. As both
the then Lord Chief Justice and the Deputy President of
the UK Supreme Court, Lord Hodge have explained in public
lectures, it is now widely acknowledged that there is a crucial
link between a country's commitment to the rule of law and its
levels of innovation, inward investment, trade and economic
growth. In the Lord Burnett's words, “the importance of good
governance through a commitment to the rule of law is widely
recognised as underpinning prosperity.”
That insight has been given recent emphasis and recognition
through the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics, where three economists
won the award for demonstrating the intrinsic importance of
strong democratic institutions to economic flourishing.
Two of these - Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson - in their
book Why Nations Fail, made the compelling case that fair and
resilient institutions provide the foundations of prosperity.
They cite examples such as the twin cities of Nogales, Arizona,
and Nogales, Sonora across the border in Mexico – two places
sharing a similar history and geography but with significant
disparity in incomes. This disparity is not random. It is drawn
from different institutions and cultures within each country –
the stronger the institutions, the more robust democratic
protections the greater the investment, technological development
and wealth creation.
Through the Government's commitment to the rule of law, we hope
to provide the best possible conditions for the UK economy to
grow. A strong rule of law framework provides the bedrock for our
economy to grow – its gives the certainty that investors,
shareholders, employers and employees need to flourish. They can
do so know that contracts will be honoured and that where they
are not or dispute arise they will be settled according to clear
rules by fair and independent judges.
The combination of the legal culture in the UK, our fair,
transparent rules-based system, the unparalleled reputation of
our judiciary, and the expertise and professionalism of the legal
sector makes the UK a destination of choice for business and
dispute resolution. This is demonstrated well by the Commercial
Court, which is a leading centre of international commercial
litigation.
This government want to work together with the not just the legal
sector but with the City and with industry to capitalise on our
rule of law reputation as part of a drive to promote growth and
investment in this country. We have a rich history on which to
draw, and it is a story that is in all our interests to tell. In
the Lord Chancellor and the Chancellor of the Exchequer you will
find great partners in our shared endeavour of promoting the rule
of law as a means of accelerating growth.
Our commitment to the rule of law and the benefits that it of
course extends beyond our borders. International law and support
for the international legal order is beneficial not just to the
UK economy but to building prosperity around the globe. Adherence
to the rule of law at the international level provides the
necessary conditions of trust between nations and international
security in which global free trade, investment flows and
international commerce can flourish. It helps us move towards a
world in which disputes are settled in courtrooms and arbitration
centres rather than battlefields.
I could not end my remarks without briefly mentioning pro bono
work, having been invited here tonight by Sir Robin who chairs
the National Pro Bono Centre – and let me thank him for
everything that he does.
The Law Officers champion pro bono work across the UK. The
Solicitor General and I have the privilege to meet with the
individuals and organisations, such as the National Pro Bono
Centre and the regional pro bono committees, who have created a
culture where pro bono work is part and parcel of a legal career.
Pro bono work provides opportunities to develop skills, support
the commercial sector, and give back to the wider community. It
is a manifestation of our commitment to the rule of law – simply
put, it reflects the best of us."
