Justice for All: Old Bailey Hosts Landmark Series on the Future of Justice
The City of London is set to host a powerful new conversation about justice, and it begins just a few miles from Hammersmith and Fulham, at the heart of the country’s legal system.
A new year-long series, Justice for All, will take place at the Old Bailey, bringing together legal experts, policymakers, businesses and community voices to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: how do we build a justice system fit for the 21st century?
The series is led by Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, recently elected Sheriff of the City of London for 2025/26. He has made justice reform a central focus of his year in office. “Justice underpins our freedoms, our prosperity, and our security,” he says. “Yet it’s often undervalued and underfunded. With this series, we have an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine justice for the next generation.”
The first event launches this autumn, marking the 800th anniversary of the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta and the 10th anniversary of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for peace, justice and strong institutions. Lord Neuberger, former President of the UK Supreme Court, will deliver the keynote address, reflecting on the rule of law in today’s Britain.
In a significant boost to the local connection, Andy Slaughter MP, now Chair of the House of Commons Justice Select Committee, will be in attendance. Elected Chair on 11 September 2024, he leads Parliament’s scrutiny of the Ministry of Justice and related bodies. Slaughter has warned of “overcrowded prisons, court backlogs, probation capacity and legal advice deserts,” committing his Committee to probe such crises. His involvement brings frontline insight into justice challenges and adds real weight to the series’ discussions.
The full Justice for All programme will explore:
- Justice for the Accused – ensuring fair treatment and legal representation
- Justice for Survivors – supporting victims of slavery and gender-based violence
- Justice for Prison Leavers – promoting rehabilitation and employment
- Financing Justice – creating sustainable investment in legal systems
Each session will be underpinned by evidence-based research from RAND Europe, culminating in a final report in summer 2026.
Mark Lucraft KC, Recorder of London and senior judge at the Old Bailey, has endorsed the initiative: “Justice must continually evolve to reflect the needs and values of our society. This series offers a vital platform to debate the issues, champion fairness, and push for meaningful reform.”
Supported by Serco and the City of London Corporation, and hosted in a courtroom steeped in history, Justice for All promises to spark serious reflection and, hopefully, long-term change.
For more information and to attend the events, visit: www.justiceseries.org
