New lord chief justice records YouTube video

updated on 16 October 2017

The newly appointed lord chief justice, Sir Ian Burnett, released a short YouTube video on the day of his swearing-in, 2 October.

Sir Ian, also known as “Ian of Essex”, referenced the important role that an impartial judiciary has in any society, particularly in tumultuous times: “I am conscious that at times of great change, the impartiality and independence of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law must remain a constant.” He also praised the “talent and commitment” of the magistrates and judges who work as part of the court system, and the fact that the UK judicial system is widely regarded as the best in the world.

At his swearing in, there was room for some light-hearted jokes from master of the rolls, Sir Terence Etherton, who revealed the new lord chief justice’s love of pizza and made fleeting reference to TOWIE.