Astonishing news. I know Jonathan Jones @PermSecGLD well: he is a lower-key character than his predecessor, but his resignation speaks volumes about the independence bred into all decent barristers. /1
It may not be fanciful to derive from this RT of @davidallengreen another recent sign of his disenchantment: it refers to the ill-judged and derogatory comment by @ukhomeoffice (which @PermSecGLD once proudly served) about "activist lawyers". /2
Principled resignations by senior government lawyers are rare: but remember Elizabeth Wilmhurst en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth…, who stepped down in 2003 over the reversal of her advice on the illegality of the Iraq War /3
Fortunately in my view, we have in @UKHouseofLords a law officer of integrity, Richard Keen. I look forward to hearing his reaction. /4
I've just applied for an (urgent) PNQ on this in @UKHouseofLords and hope that other peers will do the same. /5
For anyone interested (and as a caution to those who might seek to use this incident for purely political advantage), Wilmhurst's resignation letter is here: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politi…. /6
I’ve been turned down for tomorrow as my request came after the noon deadline.
