This week, the FDA’s Lawyers’ Network was pleased to welcome Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry for a lunchtime lecture with members.

As part of our cross-party engagement in an election year, the FDA is keen to hear from all major parties about their vision and priorities if elected.

When asked by FDA General Secretary Dave Penman, what the biggest challenge a new government would pose for the civil service, Thornberry told attendees that “a change of ambition” from ministers tackling big scale policy issues will be a challenge. However, she added, if given clear leadership and clear objectives, she believes the civil service is “up for it” and can deliver.

Thornberry was also asked a number of pressing questions by the FDA members present on topics such as CPS resourcing and caseloads, how the role of the Attorney General has been changed in the last decade, and how a Labour government would deal with courts delivering political unpopular rulings.

The FDA is looking to organise more events with stakeholders from across the political spectrum in the run-up to the General Election. This provides the opportunity for the union to advance our objectives for the civil service, and allows our members to raise their concerns with policy makers.