Minister Kwasi Kwarteng has faced criticism after suggesting that 'many people' believe judges are biased about Brexit. His comments followed a Scottish court ruling that the current prorogation of Parliament was unlawful.
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Neil Show, Kwarteng said: 'I'm not saying this, but, many people... are saying that the judges are biased.' He added that there was concern about judges 'interfering in politics'.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended the judiciary, stating: 'The British judiciary... is one of the great glories of our constitution - they are independent.' He noted that an English court had found prorogation lawful, and the Supreme Court would decide.
Ex-Liberal Democrat leader Lord Campbell called Kwarteng's remarks 'ill-judged', while Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said British judges were 'incredibly fair'. Former Justice Secretary Sir David Lidington said he had 'seen no evidence of the courts getting involved in politics'.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick distanced himself from Kwarteng's comments, saying: 'We must back the judges in this country to uphold the rule of law.' The Supreme Court will hear the government's appeal against the Scottish ruling next week.
