Public Sector Lawyer
@publicsectorlawyer.bsky.social
25 years lawyering, in Government Departments & independent public bodies in the UK. Statutory interpretation, constitutional, regulatory & criminal law.
Not a bad test to see where people stand, including those who talk about "saving the West": whether they think, say, Starmer's UK or Putin's Russia is preferable.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
December 8, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Not a bad test to see where people stand, including those who talk about "saving the West": whether they think, say, Starmer's UK or Putin's Russia is preferable.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
‘Straight-talking’, but you wouldn’t get the impression from this that he previously defended the 2 child limit as a necessary ‘tough decision’, & suspended 7 MPs who disagreed.
keirstarmer.substack.com/p/politics-t...
keirstarmer.substack.com/p/politics-t...
December 7, 2025 at 2:25 PM
‘Straight-talking’, but you wouldn’t get the impression from this that he previously defended the 2 child limit as a necessary ‘tough decision’, & suspended 7 MPs who disagreed.
keirstarmer.substack.com/p/politics-t...
keirstarmer.substack.com/p/politics-t...
"It could have been three if Duckett held a simple chance."
No! If Carey had been out ball 2, the universe would've taken a different course, & ball 4 would've been different, so in all probability wouldn't have got Smith out.
No! If Carey had been out ball 2, the universe would've taken a different course, & ball 4 would've been different, so in all probability wouldn't have got Smith out.
December 5, 2025 at 10:50 AM
"It could have been three if Duckett held a simple chance."
No! If Carey had been out ball 2, the universe would've taken a different course, & ball 4 would've been different, so in all probability wouldn't have got Smith out.
No! If Carey had been out ball 2, the universe would've taken a different course, & ball 4 would've been different, so in all probability wouldn't have got Smith out.
@hugorifkind.bsky.social on Your Party's founder turning on its "bureaucrats".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
December 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM
@hugorifkind.bsky.social on Your Party's founder turning on its "bureaucrats".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Reread Handful of Dust. The writing is just brilliant, but it's tough working out what we're supposed to make of Waugh's characters. It seems that Tony Last is punished for liking the *wrong sort* of Gothic Revival. Essay here if you're interested in such things. www.connotations.de/wp-content/u...
www.connotations.de
December 3, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Reread Handful of Dust. The writing is just brilliant, but it's tough working out what we're supposed to make of Waugh's characters. It seems that Tony Last is punished for liking the *wrong sort* of Gothic Revival. Essay here if you're interested in such things. www.connotations.de/wp-content/u...
More solid evidence of the suicidal delusional path the Government's still sticking to.
Which does prompt the question why. Presumably something to do with the paranoid bunker mentality inside No10.
bsky.app/profile/samf...
Which does prompt the question why. Presumably something to do with the paranoid bunker mentality inside No10.
bsky.app/profile/samf...
New post just out:
Six lessons from the 2024 election.
And what they mean for the next one.
Covering: Labour's fatal misunderstanding about why they won; effects of a more fragmented system; changes in media/polling.
(£/free trial)
samf.substack.com/p/six-lesson...
Six lessons from the 2024 election.
And what they mean for the next one.
Covering: Labour's fatal misunderstanding about why they won; effects of a more fragmented system; changes in media/polling.
(£/free trial)
samf.substack.com/p/six-lesson...
Six lessons from the 2024 election
And what they mean for the next one
samf.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:01 PM
More solid evidence of the suicidal delusional path the Government's still sticking to.
Which does prompt the question why. Presumably something to do with the paranoid bunker mentality inside No10.
bsky.app/profile/samf...
Which does prompt the question why. Presumably something to do with the paranoid bunker mentality inside No10.
bsky.app/profile/samf...
Thread below on the implications of the proposed changes to appeals from the magistrates' courts.
This feels like an idea that hasn’t properly been thought through.
As has been noted, there is currently an automatic right of appeal from the mags to the CC. Takes the form of a complete re-trial. Whilst there is in theory a chance of a higher sentence, my experience is that this rarely happens.
As has been noted, there is currently an automatic right of appeal from the mags to the CC. Takes the form of a complete re-trial. Whilst there is in theory a chance of a higher sentence, my experience is that this rarely happens.
December 3, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Thread below on the implications of the proposed changes to appeals from the magistrates' courts.
Straightforward breaches of promises to the public made in a manifesto seem to be ok, but arguable untruths to the media in pre-budget briefings apparently a big no-no.
November 30, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Straightforward breaches of promises to the public made in a manifesto seem to be ok, but arguable untruths to the media in pre-budget briefings apparently a big no-no.
The speechwriters are really going for the "kitchen table" thing.
November 27, 2025 at 1:19 PM
The speechwriters are really going for the "kitchen table" thing.
Transcript of the BBC evidence session with the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee.
committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence...
committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence...
committees.parliament.uk
November 26, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Transcript of the BBC evidence session with the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee.
committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence...
committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence...
As KB mentioned at the last PMQs, increasing the freeze period on income tax thresholds to 2030 would breach a manifesto promise on the Chancellor's own interpretation of it.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024...
The promise has been so stretched & twisted you wonder whether it's worth keeping.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024...
The promise has been so stretched & twisted you wonder whether it's worth keeping.
November 26, 2025 at 9:25 AM
As KB mentioned at the last PMQs, increasing the freeze period on income tax thresholds to 2030 would breach a manifesto promise on the Chancellor's own interpretation of it.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024...
The promise has been so stretched & twisted you wonder whether it's worth keeping.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024...
The promise has been so stretched & twisted you wonder whether it's worth keeping.
Reposted by Public Sector Lawyer
The government’s progress on constitutional & ethical standards has been welcome but underwhelming. It should go further to put the business appointments rules and the new standards regulator on a statutory basis, protect the electoral process and ensure the independence of the Electoral Commission
ON THE BLOG: Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
Monitor 91: Starmer's constitutional timidity
In the lead article from the latest issue of Monitor, Meg Russell & @alanrenwick.bsky.social argue that the government could be seeking to lead, and to set the tone on constitutional standards, but changes instead feel timid and reluctant.
constitution-unit.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:07 AM
The government’s progress on constitutional & ethical standards has been welcome but underwhelming. It should go further to put the business appointments rules and the new standards regulator on a statutory basis, protect the electoral process and ensure the independence of the Electoral Commission
Particularly good, thought-provoking article here.
My column in today’s FT: the vision since 2016 has been that the lever British governments pull to fight poverty is to increase the minimum wage. Time for government to start pulling its weight again too:
The minimum wage is not a cure all — we’re asking too much of business
Politicians spend too much time uttering cheap rhetoric about cheap labour
www.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Particularly good, thought-provoking article here.
Reposted by Public Sector Lawyer
Again looks to have called it right (contrary to most media narratives), & incidentally revealing about how dysfunctional the US Government is.
New post from @ldfreedman.bsky.social
On how Ukraine should respond to the US "peace plan" and looking at some new details that emerged over the last 24 hours.
(£/free trial)
samf.substack.com/p/how-should...
On how Ukraine should respond to the US "peace plan" and looking at some new details that emerged over the last 24 hours.
(£/free trial)
samf.substack.com/p/how-should...
How should Ukraine respond?
And more details on the "peace plan"
samf.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Again looks to have called it right (contrary to most media narratives), & incidentally revealing about how dysfunctional the US Government is.
John Rentoul’s answer was ‘yes’.
Regardless of views on this as a matter of principle, what are the practical consequences?
How for example do officials (including lawyers) advising ministers deal with what might be termed the anti-Burkean view of democracy?
bsky.app/profile/publ...
Regardless of views on this as a matter of principle, what are the practical consequences?
How for example do officials (including lawyers) advising ministers deal with what might be termed the anti-Burkean view of democracy?
bsky.app/profile/publ...
November 23, 2025 at 2:52 PM
John Rentoul’s answer was ‘yes’.
Regardless of views on this as a matter of principle, what are the practical consequences?
How for example do officials (including lawyers) advising ministers deal with what might be termed the anti-Burkean view of democracy?
bsky.app/profile/publ...
Regardless of views on this as a matter of principle, what are the practical consequences?
How for example do officials (including lawyers) advising ministers deal with what might be termed the anti-Burkean view of democracy?
bsky.app/profile/publ...
Reposted by Public Sector Lawyer
From biblical Cities of Refuge to the Liberty of the Savoy; from Mediaeval church sanctuary to modern embassies, we continue to create places when individuals can take refuge from pursuing justice.
Why do we keep doing this?
open.substack.com/pub/edrith/p...
Why do we keep doing this?
open.substack.com/pub/edrith/p...
November 22, 2025 at 11:10 AM
From biblical Cities of Refuge to the Liberty of the Savoy; from Mediaeval church sanctuary to modern embassies, we continue to create places when individuals can take refuge from pursuing justice.
Why do we keep doing this?
open.substack.com/pub/edrith/p...
Why do we keep doing this?
open.substack.com/pub/edrith/p...
Reposted by Public Sector Lawyer
On the patently unlawful boat strikes
It's hard for USGs to claim ‘mistake of law’ or ‘advice of counsel’ – when they’re firing lawyers who wouldn't sign off on the strikes.
WaPo's new revelations on firings or removals:
1) CIA General Counsel
2) NSC Legal Adviser
3) CIA Mission Center’s lawyer
🧵
It's hard for USGs to claim ‘mistake of law’ or ‘advice of counsel’ – when they’re firing lawyers who wouldn't sign off on the strikes.
WaPo's new revelations on firings or removals:
1) CIA General Counsel
2) NSC Legal Adviser
3) CIA Mission Center’s lawyer
🧵
White House blew past legal concerns in deadly strikes on drug boats
The Trump administration sidestepped skeptical lawyers across national security agencies as it pursued a military campaign against alleged narcotraffickers, officials say.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:10 PM
On the patently unlawful boat strikes
It's hard for USGs to claim ‘mistake of law’ or ‘advice of counsel’ – when they’re firing lawyers who wouldn't sign off on the strikes.
WaPo's new revelations on firings or removals:
1) CIA General Counsel
2) NSC Legal Adviser
3) CIA Mission Center’s lawyer
🧵
It's hard for USGs to claim ‘mistake of law’ or ‘advice of counsel’ – when they’re firing lawyers who wouldn't sign off on the strikes.
WaPo's new revelations on firings or removals:
1) CIA General Counsel
2) NSC Legal Adviser
3) CIA Mission Center’s lawyer
🧵
@harrytlambert.bsky.social interview with Maurice Glasman on his friendship with Shabana Mahmood, delight at her refugee policy, how it’s precursor to leaving the ECnHR, & views on judges & lawyers.
open.substack.com/pub/somethin...
open.substack.com/pub/somethin...
November 20, 2025 at 7:19 PM
@harrytlambert.bsky.social interview with Maurice Glasman on his friendship with Shabana Mahmood, delight at her refugee policy, how it’s precursor to leaving the ECnHR, & views on judges & lawyers.
open.substack.com/pub/somethin...
open.substack.com/pub/somethin...
A lot of public lawyers will be familiar with this situation, albeit not many when the stakes are quite so high.
November 20, 2025 at 2:57 PM
A lot of public lawyers will be familiar with this situation, albeit not many when the stakes are quite so high.
A suggestion that this Policy Exchange report influenced the Govt's decision to stick with Boris Johnson's curbs on the independence of the Electoral Commission.
If so, wonder if they realised at least 4 clear errors (highlighted).
policyexchange.org.uk/wp-content/u...
If so, wonder if they realised at least 4 clear errors (highlighted).
policyexchange.org.uk/wp-content/u...
November 19, 2025 at 2:35 PM
A suggestion that this Policy Exchange report influenced the Govt's decision to stick with Boris Johnson's curbs on the independence of the Electoral Commission.
If so, wonder if they realised at least 4 clear errors (highlighted).
policyexchange.org.uk/wp-content/u...
If so, wonder if they realised at least 4 clear errors (highlighted).
policyexchange.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Government by anecdote.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
November 19, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Government by anecdote.
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
How will this work in practice? If you refuse to provide any means of support, do you simply leave people to starve on the streets, & if you do, do you then allow them medical support, or refuse that too - if so, how?
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691ae0...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691ae0...
November 18, 2025 at 10:27 AM
How will this work in practice? If you refuse to provide any means of support, do you simply leave people to starve on the streets, & if you do, do you then allow them medical support, or refuse that too - if so, how?
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691ae0...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691ae0...
Highly recommend this entertaining & insightful piece, especially if you're interested in what it's like to get legislation through Parliament.
bsky.app/profile/jemb...
bsky.app/profile/jemb...
November 17, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Highly recommend this entertaining & insightful piece, especially if you're interested in what it's like to get legislation through Parliament.
bsky.app/profile/jemb...
bsky.app/profile/jemb...
Interview last month with Blue Labour guru Maurice Glasman, on his admiration for & links with the far right figures Peter Thiel & Curtis Yarvin, use of the military for dealing with small boats, & backing of Shabana Mahmood.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
November 17, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Interview last month with Blue Labour guru Maurice Glasman, on his admiration for & links with the far right figures Peter Thiel & Curtis Yarvin, use of the military for dealing with small boats, & backing of Shabana Mahmood.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com/news/article...