Shabana Mahmood makes history as UK's first Muslim woman Lord Chancellor

Shabana pledges to uphold law, emphasizes Labour government's commitment to human rights in her inaugural speech

LONDON:

Shabana Mahmood, a British-Pakistani of Kashmiri origin and a Member of Parliament (MP) from Birmingham has been officially sworn in as the United Kingdom's new Lord Chancellor.

The ceremony took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Monday.

Justice Secretary Mahmood, as reported by the media, pledged her commitment to "defending the international rule of law and upholding human rights."

The 43-year-old Labour Party member shared her appointment on social media platform X, expressing her honour at taking on the role. She emphasized her commitment to protecting the judiciary from external pressures, stating, "I will be a champion of the Rule of Law. 900 years into this ancient role, it is more vital than ever before."

Hailing from Small Heath, Birmingham, Mahmood has made history as the first Muslim woman to hold the position. She took her oath of allegiance to the Holy Quran and proudly noted that she is "the first Lord Chancellor to speak Urdu."

The ceremony was attended by prominent judicial figures, including Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, Supreme Court President Robert Reed, and Chancellor of the High Court Julian Flaux.

In her inaugural speech, Mahmood reiterated the new Labour government's dedication to "defending the international rule of law and upholding human rights" in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, established post-World War II.

She highlighted the need for enhanced access to justice for women and girls who suffer from violence and abuse.

Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, addressing Mahmood, acknowledged the inevitable challenges ahead, stating, "There will no doubt be challenges and choices to be made today and tomorrow. That is an inevitable feature of governing. We will work with you and your ministers as you face these demands. I very much look forward to forging a stable, long-term partnership with you as Lord Chancellor within, of course, constitutional bounds, in the service of justice and the achievement of justice."