DEBATE: Should the UK’s judicial system embrace using artificial intelligence in the courtroom? April 30, 2019 Should the UK’s judicial system embrace using artificial intelligence in the courtroom? Emily Foges, chief executive of Luminance, says YES. The explosion of digital information, from social media posts to WhatsApp messages, can lead to cases collapsing in our courts as police and barristers struggle to review evidence in time. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is [...]
DEBATE: Is it right for Shamima Begum to receive legal aid for her citizenship appeal? April 18, 2019 Is it right for Shamima Begum to receive legal aid for her citizenship appeal? John Oxley, a barrister at Vardags, says YES. When William Joyce was captured after six years of aiding the Nazis, he was hanged for treason. He was, however, first provided with lawyers and allowed to exhaust all avenues of appeal. At Nuremberg, [...]
DEBATE: Should a General Election follow the appointment of a new Tory leader and Prime Minister? March 29, 2019 Should a General Election follow the appointment of a new Tory leader and Prime Minister? Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London, says YES. There is no constitutional requirement for anyone who takes over as Prime Minister to call a General Election, although one could be forced upon them were they to [...]
DEBATE: MPs are about to get a pay rise – but do they deserve it? March 4, 2019 MPs are about to get a pay rise – but do they deserve it? John Oxley, a Conservative commentator, says YES. MPs will soon earn £79,468. It’s far more than most people, but still not enough to lure the most talented individuals into our legislature. An ambitious and highly capable graduate in the City or [...]
DEBATE: Should Philip Green be stripped of his knighthood? February 15, 2019 Should Philip Green be stripped of his knighthood? John Oxley, an expert in law, history, and Conservative politics, says YES. Knighthoods are honours, tied to historic notions of chivalry. They are awarded not just for achievement, but for character. Removing them is a public repudiation of bad behaviour. Leaving them in place is tacit approval. [...]
DEBATE: After Tuesday’s amendments, is a no-deal Brexit actually more likely now? January 31, 2019 After Tuesday’s amendments, is a no-deal Brexit actually more likely now? John Oxley, a Conservative commentator, says YES. The UK leaves the EU by operation of law at 11pm on 29 March. No deal is the default. The insipid amendment “rejecting” that outcome has no force. Only an agreement with the EU or the revocation or extension [...]
DEBATE: In light of the ongoing court case, should ‘ethical veganism’ count as a protected belief? December 5, 2018 In light of the ongoing court case, should “ethical veganism” count as a protected belief? Beth Hale, technical director at CM Murray, says YES. It is likely that Jordi Casamitjana, the claimant in this case, will be successful in persuading the tribunal that “ethical veganism” is a protectable belief under the Equality Act 2010. Provided he can show [...]
DEBATE: Will banning NDAs in harassment cases stop victims agreeing confidential deals with employers? October 16, 2018 Will banning NDAs in harassment cases stop victims agreeing confidential deals with employers? John Oxley, a barrister at Vardags, says YES. The prohibition of NDAs will stop companies from quietly hushing up the unpleasant and sometimes criminal behaviour of predatory employees. It may also, however, stop that behaviour from coming to light in the first [...]