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Cabinet 'no place for attorney' Cabinet 'no place for attorney'
(about 8 hours later)
The attorney general should no longer attend Cabinet meetings, Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman says.The attorney general should no longer attend Cabinet meetings, Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman says.
She told the Financial Times the chief legal adviser's role needed to change as part of moves to restore public trust and confidence in the government.She told the Financial Times the chief legal adviser's role needed to change as part of moves to restore public trust and confidence in the government.
She backed a return to the days when the attorney general kept his distance from Cabinet discussions.She backed a return to the days when the attorney general kept his distance from Cabinet discussions.
Attorney General Lord Goldsmith has previously dismissed claims that his job has become too political.Attorney General Lord Goldsmith has previously dismissed claims that his job has become too political.
He has argued it is vital for "accountability" that he attends cabinet meetings and insisted he has always put the law before party loyalties. He has argued it is vital for "accountability" that he attends Cabinet meetings and insisted he has always put the law before party loyalties.
Lord Goldsmith has been involved in a number of controversies, including over the legal advice he offered regarding the Iraq invasion and, more recently, seeking injunctions against the media over reports about the cash-for-honours inquiry.Lord Goldsmith has been involved in a number of controversies, including over the legal advice he offered regarding the Iraq invasion and, more recently, seeking injunctions against the media over reports about the cash-for-honours inquiry.
Ms Harman, who is one of the Labour Party's deputy leadership candidates, told Saturday's Financial Times she had "nothing but respect" for Lord Goldsmith.Ms Harman, who is one of the Labour Party's deputy leadership candidates, told Saturday's Financial Times she had "nothing but respect" for Lord Goldsmith.
Harriet Harman is a former solicitor generalHarriet Harman is a former solicitor general
But the former solicitor general said: "The attorney has started attending Cabinet. I don't think it's a good idea for the attorney to be in Cabinet.But the former solicitor general said: "The attorney has started attending Cabinet. I don't think it's a good idea for the attorney to be in Cabinet.
"If we're looking afresh at how we would do it, I wouldn't have the attorney in Cabinet.""If we're looking afresh at how we would do it, I wouldn't have the attorney in Cabinet."
Last month, Ms Harman called on Lord Goldsmith to publish his legal advice to ministers, which would mark a break from a long-standing convention.Last month, Ms Harman called on Lord Goldsmith to publish his legal advice to ministers, which would mark a break from a long-standing convention.
Meanwhile, MPs on the constitutional affairs committee are holding an inquiry into the post.Meanwhile, MPs on the constitutional affairs committee are holding an inquiry into the post.
Liberal Democrat spokesman Simon Hughes said restoring confidence would require giving Parliament the right to approve law officer appointments - and to remove them from office.Liberal Democrat spokesman Simon Hughes said restoring confidence would require giving Parliament the right to approve law officer appointments - and to remove them from office.
"The attorney general should not be in the Cabinet, but of course must attend whenever needed to give advice."The attorney general should not be in the Cabinet, but of course must attend whenever needed to give advice.
"The important change is that future law officers should be nominated by government, but Parliament should confirm their appointment and be able to take their jobs away."The important change is that future law officers should be nominated by government, but Parliament should confirm their appointment and be able to take their jobs away.
"All justice matters should in future be led by a new minister for justice, as a member of the Cabinet, chosen from and accountable to the House of Commons.""All justice matters should in future be led by a new minister for justice, as a member of the Cabinet, chosen from and accountable to the House of Commons."