With the end of 2017 fast approaching, we asked the UK's top civil servants to look back at the year, outline their goals for 2018 – and tell us what they cannot do Christmas without
What are you most proud of achieving in 2017?
Our business is the rule of law – that is, making law and politics work together constitutionally. In a barely-noticed announcement this Autumn, the government notified parliament that it had found a solution, capable of working in law and politics (national and international) to the adverse rulings of the European Court of Human Rights on prisoner voting. This Christmas should see the successful conclusion of what has been the rule of law challenge of a generation: a problem which has tested the resolve and ingenuity of successive colleagues in AGO, the Ministry of Justice, Cabinet Office and FCO for well over a decade. Patient problem-solving at its finest. I am so proud of AGO’s best-in-Whitehall staff engagement too. It’s how we achieve all we do with so few.
What was your most difficult decision in 2017?
Pressing on with extension of the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme. This is the right thing to do for public confidence in the justice system, and for the peace of mind of the victims of some appalling crimes. The climbing workload for the team at a time of Brexit and other pressures this year made it a tough ask though, on top of dealing with our accommodation move and, of course, budget reduction this year. They have done magnificently. A thousand cases considered and over 140 sentencing problems solved – that’s around 275 missing years of imprisonment properly restored already. Terrific multi-disciplinary teamwork by our handful of ULS practitioners.
What are your department’s top priorities in the year ahead?
Playing our part in the fundamental shift in the UK’s legal system represented by removing the EU legal order. Supporting the Crown Prosecution Service and Serios Fraud Office in navigating Brexit changes to their important operations. Meeting the demands of our public interest litigation functions. Progressing the careers of every individual joining the AGO team.
For you, no Christmas holiday is complete without...
Family, friends, feasting, firelight… and the inevitable request for urgent Law Officer advice on a dangerous overseas operation.