Police chief attacks lawyers over reform

One of Britain's most senior police chiefs has rounded on defence lawyers for failing to help reform the criminal justice system. Scotland Yard Deputy Commissioner Sir Ian Blair denounced defence solicitors and barristers, saying he was "disappointed" with their contribution to reforms.

In a speech to think-tank Civitas, Sir Ian said: "There are many brilliant men and women within the legal profession, far more brilliant men and women than are likely to be found in my service.

"But my experience of engaging with representatives of both the Bar and the Law Society over the last few years over the topic of legal reform has been disappointing."

Sir Ian said Lord Justice Auld's 2001 reform blueprint aimed to reduce crime, fear of crime and its social and economic costs, and also to dispense justice fairly and efficiently.

But he said: "It is very difficult to convince lawyers that that first aim is relevant to them. I am appealing to lawyers to work with us in finding justice." The law is not just a trade, he suggested. As professionals lawyers should be accountable and "part of the democratic process".