Top UK legal chiefs make historic call to Bar of Northern Ireland during Belfast visit
Legal Power Players Get the Northern Ireland Bar Seal of Approval
The UK’s Attorney General of England and Wales, Victoria Prentis KC MP, who also serves as Advocate General for Northern Ireland, was ceremonially called to the Bar of Northern Ireland on Friday 31 March 2023. She was joined by the Solicitor General for England and Wales and Scotland’s Advocate General, Lord Stewart, in the rare honour.
Though these law officers have rights to appear in Northern Ireland courts since 2010, this formal call underscores their commitment to upholding justice across the UK.
“This call to the Bar of Northern Ireland demonstrates the commitment of all three UK law officers to every part of the UK,” said Victoria Prentis KC MP.
Meetings with Belfast’s Legal Elite
During their two-day trip, the Law Officers visited the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast. They met with key figures including:
- Dame Siobhan Roisin Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland
- Members of the Northern Ireland Bar
- Lawyers from the Crown Solicitor’s Office tackling critical government legal issues
Restorative Justice Spotlight: Northern Ireland Alternatives
The team also toured Northern Ireland Alternatives, a pioneering charity established in 1998 that fights paramilitary-style violence through restorative justice. Operating several centres—including the Greater Shankill site—they work to transform communities by promoting non-violent responses to crime and antisocial behaviour.
At Greater Shankill, staff deliver training, mentoring, and conflict resolution workshops in schools and engage young offenders to divert them from crime.
Victoria Prentis praised the charity’s impact: “Northern Ireland Alternatives has helped to transform the lives of young people by making them understand the harm their crimes have caused, and giving them the tools to make better choices.”
Building Bridges, Not Walls
Participants typically come through referrals from the PSNI, Housing Executive, or community groups. They receive ongoing mentoring and training, fostering long-term support and behavioural change.
Debbie Watters OBE, Co-Director of Northern Ireland Alternatives, said:
“We were thrilled to host the Attorney General in Belfast. She heard firsthand from a young man who survived paramilitary threats and the justice system, benefiting from our restorative interventions.”
“Her support affirms restorative justice and underlines the vital partnership between official justice channels and community programmes.”
