Lord Sumption

Stephen Sackur talks with Lord Sumption, a former senior judge and author, about the precarious state of liberal democracy. They explore the rise of authoritarianism and the backlash against political elites. There’s a deep dive into the UK's constitutional crisis during Brexit and the implications for parliamentary democracy. Sumption also addresses judicial independence in Hong Kong amidst Chinese influence. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the fragility of democracy and the significance of international law in safeguarding rights.

In this engaging discussion, Lord Sumption, a former Supreme Court justice and author of 'The Challenges of Democracy,' shares his critical views on the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). He argues that the ECHR often strays from democratic principles and discusses the controversial Living Instrument Doctrine. The conversation touches on the court's recent climate ruling and the tensions between judicial authority and democratic processes. Additionally, Lord Sumption examines the balance between political accountability and judicial independence, particularly in matters like immigration law.

Lord Sumption argues for leaving the ECHR, discussing the strength of UK courts. Rory Sutherland examines dynamic pricing, while Lloyd Evans and Cosmo Landesman debate the effectiveness of a Guardian Blind Date. The podcast also explores the implications of leaving the ECHR and discusses flexible pricing and innovation in consumer groups.