Robert Jenrick has demanded the Law Society withdraw new guidance that he claimed "seeks to divide people on the basis of race and ethnicity". The shadow justice secretary has written to the body representing solicitors across England and Wales, complaining about advice aimed at promoting inclusive language by legal professionals.
The guidance states that racial categorisation is based in white supremacy and "was developed as an attempt to prove biological superiority and maintain dominance over others". Jenrick described these as "dangerous ideas" and argued the society should be "colour-blind and merit-based".
Jenrick calls for immediate withdrawal
The Conservative MP claimed the guidance runs contrary to "the principle of equal treatment" and "seeks to divide people on the basis of race and ethnicity". He told Law Society president Richard Atkinson it was "unacceptable for the Law Society to promote this kind of ideology, particularly as other legal bodies back away from these ideas".
"I urge you to withdraw this guidance immediately," Jenrick said in his letter. The Law Society has been contacted for comment.
Previous sentencing guidance controversy
The row comes after controversy over separate guidance directing judges to consider the lives of offenders from ethnic minority and other backgrounds before sentencing. Opponents claimed the changes could lead to a "two-tier justice system" in which people from minority groups are treated more leniently.
The Sentencing Council argued the guidance would ensure courts had comprehensive information to decide on appropriate punishment. However, it was later abandoned after ministers tabled legislation to override it.
Law Society's stated aims
The Law Society's guide is separate from the sentencing guidance and its stated intention is to help solicitors "be more inclusive with the language we use". The guidance forms part of broader efforts within the legal profession to address diversity and inclusion issues.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
