• Lady Mayor praises judiciary and legal sector as foundations of trust, stability and economic growth
• Rule of law remains one of the UK’s greatest strengths, underpinning global confidence in British business
• City of London Corporation investing £600m in new Salisbury Square courts complex to support the future of justice

The Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley, will reaffirm the City of London Corporation’s commitment to the rule of law and highlight the importance of judicial institutions at the annual His Majesty’s Judges Dinner.  

Speaking to senior members of the judiciary, government ministers and City leaders, the Lady Mayor will tonight highlight the fundamental role of the rule of law in supporting economic growth, international trade and the UK’s global reputation. 

She will emphasise that trust in institutions remains one of the country’s greatest assets, noting English law continues to be relied upon around the world. Today, two in every five cross-border business and financial transactions use English law, reflecting the confidence that businesses place in the UK’s legal framework — one of the key strengths championed in the Team UK campaign.

The Lady Mayor will tell guests: 

“The United Kingdom possesses something that cannot be built overnight and cannot easily be replicated: an independent judiciary, a world-renowned legal profession, trusted institutions and an enduring commitment that justice is administered according to law, not according to power.   

“That reputation is recognised across the world - on my international visits as Lady Mayor, I am reminded time and again that our legal system is one of Britain’s most admired strengths.” 

The Lady Mayor will highlight the City Corporation’s continued investment in legal infrastructure, including the £600 million Salisbury Square development. The new complex will bring together the Square Mile’s civil and magistrates’ courts in a purpose-built facility featuring 18 courtrooms dedicated to economic and cyber-crime. The development will also include a new headquarters for the City of London Police, alongside public realm improvements and commercial office space. 

In her speech, the Lady Mayor will say: 

"Situated between the Old Bailey, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court, it will strengthen what is already one of the world’s great centres of legal excellence - a true Law Mile.  

“At a time when the future structure of policing is being considered nationally, businesses in the Square Mile consistently tell us how much they value the specialist expertise of the City of London Police. Their work helps protect not only the City, but the wider UK economy on which jobs, investment and public services depend.

“The City’s investment is not simply in buildings, but in Britain’s future.” 

The Lady Mayor will also reaffirm the City Corporation’s commitment to championing the UK’s legal sector internationally through its wider work promoting London as a global legal and business centre.

The Lady Mayor will speak alongside the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy MP, and the Lady Chief Justice, The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill. 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK. 
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk