Moves to force barristers to promote controversial equality, diversity, and inclusion measures have been labelled ‘woke’ and ‘dangerous’.
The UK Bar Standards Board (BSB) made the proposals following research into inequality in pay and opportunity across different groups in regards to recruitment.
The measures would replace the existing core duty instructing barristers that they “must not discriminate unlawfully against any person”.
Response
Top barristers Andreas Gledhill KC and Lord Wolfson of Tredegar KC have written to the Chair of the Bar to oppose this change, labelling it “coercive, illiberal, and dangerous”.
They stated they “unequivocally support” the aims to further equal opportunity, but believe the suggested changes would lead to “quotas in all but name” that would only harm the reputation of those it seeks to help.
Moreover, the two KCs have questioned the lawfulness of the move: “This has no foundation in statute or case law. It is vague, uncertain and will, in some cases, turn on highly subjective value judgments.”
‘Not workable’
Akua Reindorf KC, a barrister who specialises in employment and discrimination law, and is a commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, believes the changes are not necessary as the existing core duty is already satisfactory in tackling discrimination.
Reindorf said: “I hate to use the word ‘woke’, but I am going to have to use it,” adding: “The whole thing to my mind is not workable”.
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