The Edition: Chambers of horrors, the ‘Dubai-ification’ of London & the enduring obsession with Diana

May 1, 2025

Guest

Philip Hensher

Guest

Michael Gove, The Spectator's editor and former Justice Secretary, dives into the radical influence of Garden Court Chambers on British law. Writer Louise Perry discusses the allure of Dubai for British youth, touching on its cultural export that may shift London's character. Royal commentator Angela Levin and writer Philip Hensher explore society's lasting obsession with Princess Diana, reflecting on her impact and legacy nearly three decades on, raising questions about public mourning and the monarchy's evolving relationship with its people.

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INSIGHT

Garden Court's Radical Legal Activism

Garden Court Chambers operates as a radical left-wing legal cell in London, often defending criminals to stay in the country and climate protesters ideologically.
Their cases raise questions about impartiality and legal activism surpassing democratic politics.

INSIGHT

The 'Right to Family Life' Legal Tool

Garden Court barristers frequently use the 'right to family life' to prevent deportations, expanding human rights law.
This approach challenges democratically elected policies and fuels debate on leaving the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

ADVICE

Parliament Should Reassert Itself

Parliament must reassert itself against judicial activism that bypasses democratic processes.
Elected representatives should determine laws on migration and protest balance, not courts shifting law via rulings.

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This week: the left-wing radicalism of Garden Court

Garden Court Chambers has a ‘reassuringly traditional’ facade befitting the historic Lincoln’s Inn Fields in the heart of London’s legal district. Yet, writes Ross Clark in the cover article this week, ‘the facade is just that. For behind the pedimented Georgian windows there operates the most radically effective cell of left-wing activists in Britain’.

Ross argues that cases taken on by Garden Court lawyers raise questions of impartiality. Is this just another example of ‘law’s expanding empire’ over the domain of elected politicians, as former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption has warned?

The Spectator’s editor, and former Justice Secretary, Michael Gove joined the podcast to discuss. (1:16)

Next: cultural desert

‘From its gloopy green-filled chocolate to its soulless towers, Dubai is exerting a cultural influence over our capital’ writes Angus Colwell in the magazine this week. More and more young people might be moving to the city, but its influence is being exported back.

With around 250,000 Brits living in the Middle Eastern Emirate, why is Dubai so popular? Angus worries that we may lose some of the ‘pleasingly chaotic’ aesthetic of London to Dubai’s ‘artificial construction’. Angus joined the podcast alongside the writer Louise Perry. (13:43)

And finally: the enduring obsession with Princess Diana

Almost 30 years on from her death, why has a fascination with Princess Diana endured? Philip Hensher reviews Dianaworld: An Obsession, by Edward White, in the magazine this week which explores the effect that Diana had – and still has – on people around the world. Why did people feel such a connection to the late Princess of Wales?

Philip joined the podcast alongside royal commentator Angela Levin. Philip explains that a ‘passive victimhood’ has crept into society since Diana’s death while, for Angela, the public felt they ‘owned’ the Princess. (22:32)

Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons.