"We will uphold the rule of law and protect civil liberties."
Human Rights Act maintained. Police Conduct Act reforms progressing. Key judicial reviews won (8/10 cases).
UK maintained 7th place on Rule of Law Index. Civil liberties framework strengthened.
"The CPS will increase prosecution rates for rape and serious sexual offences."
Rape charge rate improved to 8.2% from 6.1%. Still well below 2010 levels (14.3%).
Progress made but target of 12% charge rate not yet met. Victims still waiting years for outcomes.
"We will clear the legal aid backlog."
Legal aid reform consultation complete. Budget increased Β£120m. But wait times still 14 months average.
Vulnerable people still waiting well over a year for legal aid support despite extra funding.
The Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the Crown and the government. Lord Hermer oversees the Government Legal Department, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Serious Fraud Office β collectively responsible for upholding the rule of law and managing the government's legal risk.
In 2026/27, the combined legal system budget under Lord Hermer's oversight increased modestly by Β£75m β one of the most fiscally contained departments in Whitehall. The increase was driven primarily by CPS caseload growth and legal aid funding reforms.
Lord Hermer's scorecard reflects genuine progress on rule of law metrics and government legal risk management, offset by ongoing failures to reduce the Crown Court backlog and improve rape prosecution rates to pre-2010 levels.
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