A startling new survey has exposed a crisis of confidence in Britain's legal system, with more than half the public believing judges allow political views to influence their rulings.
The exclusive poll for the Daily Mail shows 52% of Britons suspect judicial decisions are tainted by political bias - a finding that will send shockwaves through Westminster and the legal establishment.
Public Trust in Freefall
According to the research conducted by Savanta:
- Only 36% believe judges are truly impartial
- Conservative voters are most sceptical (62% suspect bias)
- Even 45% of Labour supporters share concerns about judicial neutrality
The findings come amid growing tensions between ministers and the judiciary over high-profile cases involving immigration and human rights.
Legal Experts React
Former Supreme Court justice Lord Sumption told the Daily Mail: "While individual judges strive for impartiality, the perception matters as much as reality in maintaining public confidence."
Legal analyst Joanna Williams warned: "When people stop believing in blind justice, the entire social contract begins to unravel."
Government Response
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk declined to comment directly on the poll but emphasised the government's commitment to "an independent judiciary free from political interference."
Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed called for "urgent action to restore faith in our legal system," proposing new transparency measures for judicial appointments.
The survey of 2,103 UK adults was conducted between 12-14 September, with a margin of error of ±2%.
