Colin Murray
@colinmurray.bsky.social
Professor of Law & Democracy @newcastleuni.bsky.social
Constitutional Law | Human Rights | Brexit | Devolution | Political Violence | Colonialism | Other Assorted Dourness
He/Him
Constitutional Law | Human Rights | Brexit | Devolution | Political Violence | Colonialism | Other Assorted Dourness
He/Him
Trump rumoured to be consulting Albert Reynolds using a Oui Ja Board for advice on foreign leaders using defamation law against UK media...
November 10, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Trump rumoured to be consulting Albert Reynolds using a Oui Ja Board for advice on foreign leaders using defamation law against UK media...
The Ivan Yates interview is hilarious in its refusal to even contemplate the key ethics issue. Media coaches can maintain the confidentiality of clients. The problem was Yates' choice to then engage in campaign media as a commentator, not a paid adviser to one campaign.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
November 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM
The Ivan Yates interview is hilarious in its refusal to even contemplate the key ethics issue. Media coaches can maintain the confidentiality of clients. The problem was Yates' choice to then engage in campaign media as a commentator, not a paid adviser to one campaign.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
As Alan Rusbridger points out, the cabal of "news" organisations attacking the BBC have far greater shortcomings and are already delighted to skew our information environment:
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
November 10, 2025 at 11:41 AM
As Alan Rusbridger points out, the cabal of "news" organisations attacking the BBC have far greater shortcomings and are already delighted to skew our information environment:
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
The reality is that Brexit is a cold place full of tough choices when next door to the EU as a mega trading bloc. Either try to shut yourself off as much as possible, as the Tories did, suffering checks & dislocation, or you'll have to pay (£££) to pig-a-back on EU rules:
www.ft.com/content/8963...
www.ft.com/content/8963...
November 7, 2025 at 10:48 AM
The reality is that Brexit is a cold place full of tough choices when next door to the EU as a mega trading bloc. Either try to shut yourself off as much as possible, as the Tories did, suffering checks & dislocation, or you'll have to pay (£££) to pig-a-back on EU rules:
www.ft.com/content/8963...
www.ft.com/content/8963...
Everyone gets their own article in The Telegraph, this week and any week, provided they're willing to hail the transformative benefits of leaving the ECHR, but deny the reality that parts of the UK think very little of the quality of British justice shorn of international oversight.
November 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Everyone gets their own article in The Telegraph, this week and any week, provided they're willing to hail the transformative benefits of leaving the ECHR, but deny the reality that parts of the UK think very little of the quality of British justice shorn of international oversight.
I've a new paper out in the Discrimination Law Association's Briefings on the distinct Windsor Framework's rights/equality arrangements applicable to Northern Ireland law, which give ongoing significance of a broad sweep of EU protections even after Brexit:
discriminationlaw.org.uk/assets/docum...
discriminationlaw.org.uk/assets/docum...
November 4, 2025 at 3:25 PM
I've a new paper out in the Discrimination Law Association's Briefings on the distinct Windsor Framework's rights/equality arrangements applicable to Northern Ireland law, which give ongoing significance of a broad sweep of EU protections even after Brexit:
discriminationlaw.org.uk/assets/docum...
discriminationlaw.org.uk/assets/docum...
The PSNI is presenting a defence to the data breach case that's basically "we can't afford a remedy". But data protection rights derive from EU law, and affected officers could invoked the EU Charter's right to effective remedy under Art 2 WF. Fun to come:
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
November 3, 2025 at 8:28 PM
The PSNI is presenting a defence to the data breach case that's basically "we can't afford a remedy". But data protection rights derive from EU law, and affected officers could invoked the EU Charter's right to effective remedy under Art 2 WF. Fun to come:
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
Given Richard Dannatt's repeated indiscretions, it's surprising he still gets to spout, but the major problem with his ‘two-tier justice’ claim is there weren't effective investigations into security personnel during the NI conflict. That's why it's still spilling out:
share.google/I1YJ43BzKGjP...
share.google/I1YJ43BzKGjP...
November 1, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Given Richard Dannatt's repeated indiscretions, it's surprising he still gets to spout, but the major problem with his ‘two-tier justice’ claim is there weren't effective investigations into security personnel during the NI conflict. That's why it's still spilling out:
share.google/I1YJ43BzKGjP...
share.google/I1YJ43BzKGjP...
Folk at the Ulster American Folk Park having too much fun with the run in to Halloween, and why not when it's so beautiful...
October 28, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Folk at the Ulster American Folk Park having too much fun with the run in to Halloween, and why not when it's so beautiful...
Most people in NI are really not surprised by the Soldier F outcome - but this was no show trial or witch hunt. The judge excoriated the soldiers' conduct, but because of a passing of time caused by extreme state failings, could not convict. That is the scandal. These headlines are grotesque:
October 24, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Most people in NI are really not surprised by the Soldier F outcome - but this was no show trial or witch hunt. The judge excoriated the soldiers' conduct, but because of a passing of time caused by extreme state failings, could not convict. That is the scandal. These headlines are grotesque:
The judgment has now been published, link below. Worth noting that the Legacy Act amendments will restore the ability to bring civil actions, on a lower standard of proof, and that Soldier F isn't the subject of a witch hunt - he was undoubtedly deep in the wrong:
www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judici...
www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judici...
October 23, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The judgment has now been published, link below. Worth noting that the Legacy Act amendments will restore the ability to bring civil actions, on a lower standard of proof, and that Soldier F isn't the subject of a witch hunt - he was undoubtedly deep in the wrong:
www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judici...
www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judici...
Great stuff, even FF are now putting the boot in. Which is only right and proper, any barrister involved in any political party (including FG) must be screaming at the hornets nest of abuse this attack line opens up in future campaigns:
October 20, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Great stuff, even FF are now putting the boot in. Which is only right and proper, any barrister involved in any political party (including FG) must be screaming at the hornets nest of abuse this attack line opens up in future campaigns:
Kudos to Leigh Day, who The Economist have identified as the real opposition to UK Govt policy. But in this weird take on "blame the lawyers", all of these restrictions on ministers exist because of law makers' "cowardice", not because Parliament has actively sought to constrain govt discretion:
October 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Kudos to Leigh Day, who The Economist have identified as the real opposition to UK Govt policy. But in this weird take on "blame the lawyers", all of these restrictions on ministers exist because of law makers' "cowardice", not because Parliament has actively sought to constrain govt discretion:
Don't let that bug you as much as Martin and Harris pretending like they hadn't made explicit commitments in this regard in the 2020 Programme for Government...
October 18, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Don't let that bug you as much as Martin and Harris pretending like they hadn't made explicit commitments in this regard in the 2020 Programme for Government...
Jonathan Sumption over egging the "grotesque" approach of the Strasbourg court, and playing down the consequences of leaving the ECHR. When UK Govts did commit rights abuses in NI, it was only international obligations under the ECHR that acted as a brake:
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/europe...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/europe...
October 18, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Jonathan Sumption over egging the "grotesque" approach of the Strasbourg court, and playing down the consequences of leaving the ECHR. When UK Govts did commit rights abuses in NI, it was only international obligations under the ECHR that acted as a brake:
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/europe...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/europe...
And worse, the Taoiseach and Tániste are doing the 1998 Agreement as vibes to avoid prioritising such a vote, which they don't regard as being in their narrow electoral interest. Under the B/GFA 1998 parity of esteem applies to the "sovereign government" for NI. This is just chaff and distraction:
October 17, 2025 at 4:33 PM
And worse, the Taoiseach and Tániste are doing the 1998 Agreement as vibes to avoid prioritising such a vote, which they don't regard as being in their narrow electoral interest. Under the B/GFA 1998 parity of esteem applies to the "sovereign government" for NI. This is just chaff and distraction:
Okay, I'll bite. French citizens living in NI vote in French Presidential elections. It doesn't change NI's Head of State. Any change for Irish citizens in NI should not put Unionists up or down. Carping about what Irish citizens can and can't do is not a good look:
www.rte.ie/news/2025/10...
www.rte.ie/news/2025/10...
October 17, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Okay, I'll bite. French citizens living in NI vote in French Presidential elections. It doesn't change NI's Head of State. Any change for Irish citizens in NI should not put Unionists up or down. Carping about what Irish citizens can and can't do is not a good look:
www.rte.ie/news/2025/10...
www.rte.ie/news/2025/10...
This post by @finishedloading.bsky.social on R (Ammori) v Home Secretary [2025] EWCA Civ 1311 is a superlative rapid-reaction take on the Palestine Action decision. The key point is that JR provides a timely response to pressing rights issues:
administrativecourtblog.wordpress.com/2025/10/17/c...
administrativecourtblog.wordpress.com/2025/10/17/c...
October 17, 2025 at 3:57 PM
This post by @finishedloading.bsky.social on R (Ammori) v Home Secretary [2025] EWCA Civ 1311 is a superlative rapid-reaction take on the Palestine Action decision. The key point is that JR provides a timely response to pressing rights issues:
administrativecourtblog.wordpress.com/2025/10/17/c...
administrativecourtblog.wordpress.com/2025/10/17/c...
This latest "barrister meets AI" disaster is something all stage 1 law students should read. It is vital about the key skill of case reading - you mustn't use AI to substitute for the skill of being able to find cases and find key content in cases:
tribunalsdecisions.service.gov.uk/utiac/ui-202...
tribunalsdecisions.service.gov.uk/utiac/ui-202...
October 17, 2025 at 9:03 AM
This latest "barrister meets AI" disaster is something all stage 1 law students should read. It is vital about the key skill of case reading - you mustn't use AI to substitute for the skill of being able to find cases and find key content in cases:
tribunalsdecisions.service.gov.uk/utiac/ui-202...
tribunalsdecisions.service.gov.uk/utiac/ui-202...
Great lunchtime read from Ben Jackson on what makes Reform so distinct (and dangerous) by comparison to the era in the 1920s when Labour was becoming a force in UK politics, and how this must shape how the established parties respond:
politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/nigel-f...
politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/nigel-f...
October 16, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Great lunchtime read from Ben Jackson on what makes Reform so distinct (and dangerous) by comparison to the era in the 1920s when Labour was becoming a force in UK politics, and how this must shape how the established parties respond:
politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/nigel-f...
politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/nigel-f...
McAlinden J would like everyone to know that he's very bored with everyone running to the courts ALL THE TIME because the Northern Ireland Executive is dysfunctional. Much as I sympathise, I don't think the underlying issues with Stormont are going away:
www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judici...
www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judici...
October 15, 2025 at 1:49 PM
McAlinden J would like everyone to know that he's very bored with everyone running to the courts ALL THE TIME because the Northern Ireland Executive is dysfunctional. Much as I sympathise, I don't think the underlying issues with Stormont are going away:
www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judici...
www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judici...
New HoL committee report on NI post Brexit. A surprising amount of agreement across a broad spectrum of witnesses that much more could be done to smooth the process of applying EU law in NI. Key recommendations for UKMis (FCDO in Brussels) & the UK Govt:
publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
October 15, 2025 at 8:31 AM
New HoL committee report on NI post Brexit. A surprising amount of agreement across a broad spectrum of witnesses that much more could be done to smooth the process of applying EU law in NI. Key recommendations for UKMis (FCDO in Brussels) & the UK Govt:
publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
TFW you've spent too long watching Sir James Eadie do his "court whisperer" routine for too long and you are starting to doubt everything you thought was real...
Oral proceedings live all day today here:
www.supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2...
Oral proceedings live all day today here:
www.supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2...
October 14, 2025 at 1:36 PM
TFW you've spent too long watching Sir James Eadie do his "court whisperer" routine for too long and you are starting to doubt everything you thought was real...
Oral proceedings live all day today here:
www.supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2...
Oral proceedings live all day today here:
www.supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2...
Brilliant morning read from @conorcrummey.bsky.social on the banning of Palestine Action. The UKSC's recent reticence on the principle of legality is (dangerously) filtering down to lower courts in this case. Lots of deft analysis - Inc this general point:
ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/13/c...
ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/13/c...
October 13, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Brilliant morning read from @conorcrummey.bsky.social on the banning of Palestine Action. The UKSC's recent reticence on the principle of legality is (dangerously) filtering down to lower courts in this case. Lots of deft analysis - Inc this general point:
ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/13/c...
ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/13/c...
The notion that last year's Russian spy ring case makes it more difficult to prosecute the Cash/Berry case doesn't stand up to momentary scrutiny. It isn't an effective dodge to the "China question"; it's a claim that calls the DPP's competence into question:
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
October 10, 2025 at 10:45 AM
The notion that last year's Russian spy ring case makes it more difficult to prosecute the Cash/Berry case doesn't stand up to momentary scrutiny. It isn't an effective dodge to the "China question"; it's a claim that calls the DPP's competence into question:
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...