The job is part time, and I hope Tim will be able to continue his good work as CEO of the Vault Youth Zone in Preston: www.vaultyouthzone.org/membership/s... down

Appointment of a new Independent Prevent Commissioner The Home Secretary has announced the appointment of Tim Jacques as the government’s new Independent Prevent Commissioner.

My successor as Independent Prevent Commissioner is Tim Jacques. I welcome him warmly to the post and wish him every success in helping improve Prevent and hold it to account. www.gov.uk/government/n...

Radio 4 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds Listen live to Radio 4 on BBC Sounds

A new offence of planning a mass attack/killing, without the need to prove a defined ideology? My take on the Today prog is here, from 0715: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/....

On BBC R4Today programme at 7.15ish, talking about a possible new criminal offence.

There’s a lot of confusion right now among journalists and MP about secondary legislation and what a possible EU deal would mean.

A quick thread to clear a few things up on votes, Henry VIII powers & parliamentary scrutiny. 🧵

1/ First: what is a “normal parliamentary vote”?

U.K. knife attack that killed 3 girls in Taylor Swift-themed dance class could have been prevented, inquiry finds The attack sparked nationwide riots and was one of the most shocking acts of violence in recent British history.

Quoted here by CBS news share.google/G4J9dLD3eBA3...

Commented to BBC TV on the thoughtful and sensible Southport Inquiry report. More from me on the ITV evening news at 1830/2200.

My letter to the Security Minister, marking the end of my tenure as Interim Independent Prevent Commissioner, was published on the IPC's website this morning: www.gov.uk/government/p.... I will remain in post until Tuesday 14th April.

Thinking of all those engaged in conflict resolution this week

Thanks - I have followed your direction and bought it!

For more detail on my proposal for a “big front door”, see pp 97-104 of Lessons for Prevent assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/.68907...

Home Affairs Select Committee’s report published today on combatting new forms of extremism supports the central recommendation of my 2025 report, Lessons for Prevent: committees.parliament.uk/committee/83....

Donncha, that is wonderful! Many congratulations on your appointment to this prestigious and constitutionally interesting role.

Fascinating giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...

The Rycroft Review: Report of the independent review into countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics Report of the independent review into countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics.

Three excellent things have just happened:

1) the Rycroft Review of pol finance has been published
2) govt is implementing key changes with immediate effect
3) those changes got cross-party support in the Commons.

Careful scrutiny of the detail will now be essential.

www.gov.uk/government/p...

Report of the Independent Review into Countering Foreign Financial Influence and Interference in UK Politics (the Rycroft Review): assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c29f...

Excerpts here, and a full recording, of Lord Verdirame’s brilliant Grotius-inspired lecture last night on international law at an inflection point.

Artificial judges And artificial constraints on international law

Lawyers applying to become judges in England and Wales can now use artificial intelligence to improve work they have already written. But they have been warned that using AI in qualifying tests could result in disqualification from future judicial appointments

rozenberg.substack.com/p/artificial...

Good point – I’ll remember that for ping-pong. What amazed me was the Lib Dem support for this amendment – hence my mildly barbed reference to the harm principle.

Tried to tell them! hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2026-0...

Yes, an incoming illiberal and radical UK government would have absolute constitutional power Only good fortune has prevented previous governments from misusing our constitutional arrangements more than they did

An incoming Reform government would "focus on making change via executive orders rather than legislation, where possible"

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

As predicted last August on The Empty City blog:
emptycity.substack.com/p/yes-an-inc...

Rule of law: holding the line between anarchy and tyranny - Committees - UK Parliament The rule of law in the UK is being weakened, and everyone must take steps to protect it against further erosion, says the House of Lords Constitution Committee.

Other views are available … committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...

🚨A historic breakthrough today for the fight against #SLAPPs as for the first time ever, the High Court has formally branded legal action as a #SLAPP, throwing out a “spectacularly inflated” £8m libel claim against @danneidle.bsky.social who reported on a barrister’s role in a tax avoidance scheme

Spouses/partners could be permitted entry in the normal way as accompanied guests. If there is a case for greater access (which I very much doubt), applicants for passes should be properly vetted.

Time to address the scandal that MPs’ and peers’ spouses and partners are given free passes to the parliamentary estate without even being vetted first. Along with a few other peers I raised this issue with Lord Speaker in January. An urgent review is needed.

Key paras

Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks

Legal advice re use of UK bases for attacks on Iranian missile bases now published www.gov.uk/government/n...

Expert Q&A: Are U.S. Threats or Use of Force Against Iran Lawful? Experts examine the international law issued raised by the U.S. threats and potential strikes against Iran.

Just published this Q&A with @mikeschmitt.bsky.social & @rgoodlaw.bsky.social

Bottom line:

-US strikes on #Iran would be flatly illegal

-would trigger armed conflict between the US and Iran

-other countries (like the UK) are obligated not to assist

www.justsecurity.org/132180/us-ir...

How could you doubt it Stephen! This is me also 😉

Indeed - and it made the equivalent snowmobile rescue exercise look almost simple!