Alexander Horne
@legalmusings.bsky.social
Barrister. Commentator. Visiting Prof @ Durham University. Former parliamentary lawyer & special adviser UK Parliament (JCHR, EU, Women & Equalities; International Agreements). Musings on law, politics & restaurants . Personal views.
🇬🇧🇧🇪🇮🇱
📍LDN/BX
🇬🇧🇧🇪🇮🇱
📍LDN/BX
Reposted by Alexander Horne
Ironically, in its decision yesterday, the Court of Appeal concluded that the Upper Tribunal had reached the wrong decision
✍️ Alexander Horne
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
✍️ Alexander Horne
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
Why the Gazan family weren’t entitled to asylum
The Court of Appeal has delivered a judgment on the so-called ‘Gaza family’ claim, which sparked such outrage at Prime Minister’s Questions back in February. The row related to a decision of the…
www.spectator.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Ironically, in its decision yesterday, the Court of Appeal concluded that the Upper Tribunal had reached the wrong decision
✍️ Alexander Horne
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
✍️ Alexander Horne
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
My latest piece for the @thespectator1828.bsky.social looks at the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the ‘Gaza family case’.
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
Why the Gazan family weren’t entitled to asylum
The Court of Appeal has delivered a judgment on the so-called ‘Gaza family’ claim, which sparked such outrage at Prime Minister’s Questions back in February. The row related to a decision of the Upper...
www.spectator.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 11:11 AM
My latest piece for the @thespectator1828.bsky.social looks at the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the ‘Gaza family case’.
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-...
Hard to imagine people go into politics with the aim of underfunding the justice system to the extent that you need to do this…
Combined with headlines about a milkshake tax and a £15bn welfare expansion and it’s not exactly a great week for Labour.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Combined with headlines about a milkshake tax and a £15bn welfare expansion and it’s not exactly a great week for Labour.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jury trials could be scrapped except in most serious cases
Only cases of alleged murder, rape or manslaughter will be decided by a jury under new proposals to cut court backlogs.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Hard to imagine people go into politics with the aim of underfunding the justice system to the extent that you need to do this…
Combined with headlines about a milkshake tax and a £15bn welfare expansion and it’s not exactly a great week for Labour.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Combined with headlines about a milkshake tax and a £15bn welfare expansion and it’s not exactly a great week for Labour.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Alexander Horne
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
If the Lords ends up effectively blocking the progress if the Assisted Dying legislation, I trust that Keir Starmer will do one useful thing with his premiership and whip a Government backed Bill through the Commons next session.
We know there is a majority for it. So get it done.
We know there is a majority for it. So get it done.
November 23, 2025 at 11:04 AM
If the Lords ends up effectively blocking the progress if the Assisted Dying legislation, I trust that Keir Starmer will do one useful thing with his premiership and whip a Government backed Bill through the Commons next session.
We know there is a majority for it. So get it done.
We know there is a majority for it. So get it done.
Reposted by Alexander Horne
Labour is in the last-chance saloon.
✍️ Alexander Horne
✍️ Alexander Horne
Shabana Mahmood plots illegal migration overhaul
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to announce a series of new measures in the Commons today to combat illegal migration.
www.spectator.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Labour is in the last-chance saloon.
✍️ Alexander Horne
✍️ Alexander Horne
A new piece in @thespectator1828.bsky.social today on the Government’s proposed asylum and immigration reforms.
www.spectator.co.uk/article/shab...
www.spectator.co.uk/article/shab...
Shabana Mahmood plots illegal migration overhaul
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to announce a series of new measures in the Commons today to combat illegal migration.
www.spectator.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:56 AM
A new piece in @thespectator1828.bsky.social today on the Government’s proposed asylum and immigration reforms.
www.spectator.co.uk/article/shab...
www.spectator.co.uk/article/shab...
I hope to have a short piece up on Labour’s proposed asylum and immigration reforms later today. Will post when it is published.
In the meantime, I’d just say that by giving this issue such prominence Labour will increase its political cut through with the electorate. It’s a v risky strategy.
In the meantime, I’d just say that by giving this issue such prominence Labour will increase its political cut through with the electorate. It’s a v risky strategy.
November 17, 2025 at 8:31 AM
I hope to have a short piece up on Labour’s proposed asylum and immigration reforms later today. Will post when it is published.
In the meantime, I’d just say that by giving this issue such prominence Labour will increase its political cut through with the electorate. It’s a v risky strategy.
In the meantime, I’d just say that by giving this issue such prominence Labour will increase its political cut through with the electorate. It’s a v risky strategy.
Reposted by Alexander Horne
Disappointing to see this response by @chrisbryant1962.bsky.social on the question of scrutiny of trade agreements.
The U.K. system under CRaG is hopeless. Everyone knows it. Labour’s approach is exactly the same as the Conservatives. Shameful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
The U.K. system under CRaG is hopeless. Everyone knows it. Labour’s approach is exactly the same as the Conservatives. Shameful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
November 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Disappointing to see this response by @chrisbryant1962.bsky.social on the question of scrutiny of trade agreements.
The U.K. system under CRaG is hopeless. Everyone knows it. Labour’s approach is exactly the same as the Conservatives. Shameful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
The U.K. system under CRaG is hopeless. Everyone knows it. Labour’s approach is exactly the same as the Conservatives. Shameful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Disappointing to see this response by @chrisbryant1962.bsky.social on the question of scrutiny of trade agreements.
The U.K. system under CRaG is hopeless. Everyone knows it. Labour’s approach is exactly the same as the Conservatives. Shameful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
The U.K. system under CRaG is hopeless. Everyone knows it. Labour’s approach is exactly the same as the Conservatives. Shameful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
November 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Disappointing to see this response by @chrisbryant1962.bsky.social on the question of scrutiny of trade agreements.
The U.K. system under CRaG is hopeless. Everyone knows it. Labour’s approach is exactly the same as the Conservatives. Shameful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
The U.K. system under CRaG is hopeless. Everyone knows it. Labour’s approach is exactly the same as the Conservatives. Shameful.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Reposted by Alexander Horne
On the 75th anniversary of the ECHR, I pose the question - is now the time for reform?
My latest piece for @thespectator1828.bsky.social
www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
My latest piece for @thespectator1828.bsky.social
www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
Can the European Convention on Human Rights survive?
Today is the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. In spite of its longevity, the Convention faces a number of challenges, and this is perhaps not the happiest of birthdays. In ...
www.spectator.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 6:42 AM
On the 75th anniversary of the ECHR, I pose the question - is now the time for reform?
My latest piece for @thespectator1828.bsky.social
www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
My latest piece for @thespectator1828.bsky.social
www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
Reposted by Alexander Horne
In the UK the Convention faces a significant challenge. For the first time, both the Conservatives and Reform will enter the next general election pledging to withdraw from it.
✍️ Alexander Horne
✍️ Alexander Horne
Can the European Convention on Human Rights survive?
Today is the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. In spite of its longevity, the Convention faces a number of challenges, and this is perhaps not the happiest of birthdays. In...
www.spectator.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 8:10 AM
In the UK the Convention faces a significant challenge. For the first time, both the Conservatives and Reform will enter the next general election pledging to withdraw from it.
✍️ Alexander Horne
✍️ Alexander Horne
On the 75th anniversary of the ECHR, I pose the question - is now the time for reform?
My latest piece for @thespectator1828.bsky.social
www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
My latest piece for @thespectator1828.bsky.social
www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
Can the European Convention on Human Rights survive?
Today is the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. In spite of its longevity, the Convention faces a number of challenges, and this is perhaps not the happiest of birthdays. In ...
www.spectator.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 6:42 AM
On the 75th anniversary of the ECHR, I pose the question - is now the time for reform?
My latest piece for @thespectator1828.bsky.social
www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
My latest piece for @thespectator1828.bsky.social
www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
The problem with Monbiot’s proposal is that there is no agreed definition of ‘fundamental rights’ and that many consider that the ambit of ‘rights’ has been expanded so far that they cover many politically contested areas.
The Spectator and others have chosen (deliberately I suspect) to interpret this article as a desire to stop a future Reform UK government from legislating. My purpose is to stop *any* government crushing our fundamental rights. It’s just more urgent now. 🧵 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We must act now: without a written constitution, Reform UK will have carte blanche to toxify our nation | Goerge Monbiot
It means breaking with hundreds of years of tradition, but it can’t wait. As hard-right figures spread division and laud autocrats, a fail-safe is vital, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:27 AM
The problem with Monbiot’s proposal is that there is no agreed definition of ‘fundamental rights’ and that many consider that the ambit of ‘rights’ has been expanded so far that they cover many politically contested areas.
Reposted by Alexander Horne
Periodic reminder that Erskine May is freely available online
October 23, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Periodic reminder that Erskine May is freely available online
Reposted by Alexander Horne
Slightly later than expected, we're delighted to announce that @tweaty-twacker.bsky.social is back. It posts every time a treaty is laid before the UK Parliament under the procedure set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
October 24, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Slightly later than expected, we're delighted to announce that @tweaty-twacker.bsky.social is back. It posts every time a treaty is laid before the UK Parliament under the procedure set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.
This is well worth watching.
1/9 the video of my UCL current legal problems lecture is now up: "Bureaucracy and Distrust: The Civil Service in the Constitution". It looks at the civil service’s constitutional foundations, and how it might respond to a populist govt. @sirjjkc.bsky.social chairs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx3P...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx3P...
Bureaucracy and Distrust: The Civil Service in the Constitution
YouTube video by UCL Laws
www.youtube.com
October 24, 2025 at 7:35 AM
This is well worth watching.
An interesting post by @davidallengreen.bsky.social on the Aston Villa-Maccabi Tel Aviv conundrum.
I confess that I think there ought to be some restriction on a country restricting away fans (unless such a punishment is recommended by UEFA) as it must impact on fairness…
I confess that I think there ought to be some restriction on a country restricting away fans (unless such a punishment is recommended by UEFA) as it must impact on fairness…
October 21, 2025 at 9:49 AM
An interesting post by @davidallengreen.bsky.social on the Aston Villa-Maccabi Tel Aviv conundrum.
I confess that I think there ought to be some restriction on a country restricting away fans (unless such a punishment is recommended by UEFA) as it must impact on fairness…
I confess that I think there ought to be some restriction on a country restricting away fans (unless such a punishment is recommended by UEFA) as it must impact on fairness…
I agree with Joshua that this intervention is by the Human Rights Commissioner is spectacularly badly timed.
At a moment where two of the four largest political parties in the UK are advocating an exit from the Convention system, his criticisms seem tin eared.
At a moment where two of the four largest political parties in the UK are advocating an exit from the Convention system, his criticisms seem tin eared.
The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has intervened in a series of criminal prosecutions currently before the courts of England and Wales.
rozenberg.substack.com/p/policing-p...
rozenberg.substack.com/p/policing-p...
Policing protest prosecutions
Council of Europe human rights commissioner seeks to lay down the law
rozenberg.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 6:40 AM
I agree with Joshua that this intervention is by the Human Rights Commissioner is spectacularly badly timed.
At a moment where two of the four largest political parties in the UK are advocating an exit from the Convention system, his criticisms seem tin eared.
At a moment where two of the four largest political parties in the UK are advocating an exit from the Convention system, his criticisms seem tin eared.
Having returned from a long weekend in Vienna, I confess I am slightly struggling for a fantastic restaurant recommendation.
The best I managed was a spot called Meissl & Schadn, which combined a civilised room and lovely staff with a pretty good veal schnitzel. Worth a visit if you are in town.
The best I managed was a spot called Meissl & Schadn, which combined a civilised room and lovely staff with a pretty good veal schnitzel. Worth a visit if you are in town.
October 13, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Having returned from a long weekend in Vienna, I confess I am slightly struggling for a fantastic restaurant recommendation.
The best I managed was a spot called Meissl & Schadn, which combined a civilised room and lovely staff with a pretty good veal schnitzel. Worth a visit if you are in town.
The best I managed was a spot called Meissl & Schadn, which combined a civilised room and lovely staff with a pretty good veal schnitzel. Worth a visit if you are in town.
Lovely to catch up with my friend and former colleague Holger Hestermeyer at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna yesterday.
I hope we will bs collaborating on some more work on treaty scrutiny next year.
I hope we will bs collaborating on some more work on treaty scrutiny next year.
October 11, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Lovely to catch up with my friend and former colleague Holger Hestermeyer at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna yesterday.
I hope we will bs collaborating on some more work on treaty scrutiny next year.
I hope we will bs collaborating on some more work on treaty scrutiny next year.
Reposted by Alexander Horne
With even Labour now accepting that serious change is needed, it appears the status quo is politically indefensible.
✍️ Alexander Horne
✍️ Alexander Horne
This is Labour’s last chance to save the ECHR
One of Kemi Badenoch’s biggest announcements ahead of Conservative party conference was her pledge to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). On Sunday, she said that exiting the ECHR...
www.spectator.co.uk
October 6, 2025 at 12:15 PM
With even Labour now accepting that serious change is needed, it appears the status quo is politically indefensible.
✍️ Alexander Horne
✍️ Alexander Horne
A new piece by me for the Spectator on the ECHR.
Now Kemi has opted for the ‘simple’ option of leaving the Convention, it leaves Labour facing some tricky questions on human rights reform:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/this...
Now Kemi has opted for the ‘simple’ option of leaving the Convention, it leaves Labour facing some tricky questions on human rights reform:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/this...
This is Labour’s last chance to save the ECHR
One of Kemi Badenoch’s biggest announcements ahead of Conservative party conference was her pledge to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). On Sunday, she said that exiting the ECHR wo...
www.spectator.co.uk
October 6, 2025 at 10:39 AM
A new piece by me for the Spectator on the ECHR.
Now Kemi has opted for the ‘simple’ option of leaving the Convention, it leaves Labour facing some tricky questions on human rights reform:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/this...
Now Kemi has opted for the ‘simple’ option of leaving the Convention, it leaves Labour facing some tricky questions on human rights reform:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/this...
Looking back on the events yesterday. It is truly troubling to think that - following the murder of two Jewish people outside a synagogue during Yom Kippur - some people thought it appropriate to undertake violent protests in Westminster against the world’s only Jewish state.
October 3, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Looking back on the events yesterday. It is truly troubling to think that - following the murder of two Jewish people outside a synagogue during Yom Kippur - some people thought it appropriate to undertake violent protests in Westminster against the world’s only Jewish state.
Reposted by Alexander Horne
Viewing the remains of the Carey Street (RCJ) Banksy in person last night provoked me to write a short blog for the excellent Ideas Lab Substack (run by my friend and former parliamentary colleague @eliotwilson.bsky.social
theideaslab.substack.com/p/guest-post...
theideaslab.substack.com/p/guest-post...
Guest post: The Carey Street Banksy—a symbol of broken Britain?
The guerrilla mural of a caricatured judge and a noble protestor is hardly high art, but its appearance and semi-removal read like metaphors, writes Alexander Horne
theideaslab.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Viewing the remains of the Carey Street (RCJ) Banksy in person last night provoked me to write a short blog for the excellent Ideas Lab Substack (run by my friend and former parliamentary colleague @eliotwilson.bsky.social
theideaslab.substack.com/p/guest-post...
theideaslab.substack.com/p/guest-post...