· Alastair King hails new £596m City “justice quarter”
· UK’s rule of law remains a trusted foundation underpinning global trade and investment
· British courts’ model celebrated as a blueprint for strengthening international legal standards
At the annual His Majesty’s Judges Dinner this evening (2 July), the Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, will underline the central role of the rule of law in securing the UK’s global reputation as a trusted place to do business, and as a powerful contributor to economic growth around the world.
Speaking to an audience of senior members of the judiciary, Government ministers, and City leaders, the Lord Mayor will describe how exporting UK legal expertise, rooted in centuries of innovation, provides vital support for developing economies and strengthens the country’s international influence.
The Lord Mayor will highlight two leading examples of this in practice:
- The Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC), which brings together commercial courts from around the world and helps promote the highest standards in commercial dispute resolution — with the City Corporation proud to financially support its work.
- The Astana International Financial Centre Court in Kazakhstan, a pioneering English common law court staffed by former senior UK judges and barristers, which is already enhancing legal certainty and business confidence in Central Asia.
In his remarks, the Lord Mayor will argue that at a time when international development budgets face growing pressure, initiatives like these show how UK legal expertise can drive economic stability, foster fair trade, and promote good governance in fast-growing markets, while opening new commercial opportunities for the UK.
He will tell guests: “We are investing £596 million in a new justice quarter – Salisbury Square – located roughly halfway between the Old Bailey and the Royal Courts of Justice. This flagship facility for His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service will provide magistrates’, civil, and crown courts across 18 state-of-the-art courtrooms, along with a new headquarters for the Police, the national force for fraud, economic, and cyber-crime.”
Further extracts from the Lord Mayor’s speech are found below:
“Indeed, the rule of law is one of our great exports and the demand for expertise in English law continues to grow. Look, as a case in point, at the Astana International Financial Centre and its sister court — a common law court system that operates to the highest international standards to resolve civil and commercial disputes throughout the Eurasia region.
“Making use of an innovative e-Justice system that enables parties to file cases electronically from anywhere around the world, all eleven of its justices are either former UK judges of distinction or experienced UK barristers — including the former Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, who serves as its Chief Justice. Exporting our legal services — respected worldwide for their integrity as well as their expertise — is a remarkably strong fillip to developing economies.
“Indeed, at a time when foreign aid and development budgets feel the pinch, the law offers a bridge through initiatives like the Astana International Financial Centre. Fostering stronger, more resilient and less-corruption prone economies, boosting international trade, raising per capita GDP and advancing the United Kingdom’s soft power.”
The Lord Mayor will speak alongside the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood MP and the Lady Chief Justice, The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.
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