This week, the government reacted to the High Court’s ruling that the government does not have power to trigger article 50 without parliamentary approval and a vote from MPs. In parliament the secretary of state for exiting the EU, David Davis MP, reiterated the government’s argument that it is constitutionally proper and lawful to give effect to the referendum result by the use of prerogative powers. He also noted that government values the independence of the judiciary, but also the freedom of the press, adding that both these things underpin the UK’s democracy.

The lord chancellor gave a speech on women in the law and improving diversity. She expressed her commitment to tackle practical barriers and mind-set that stops talented women and ethnic minorities becoming silks, senior in law firms and becoming part of the judiciary. She specifically outlined four policies to increase diversity within the judiciary and noted her productive conversation with the Law Society on this issue.

The government published its response to the Justice Select Committee’s courts and tribunal fees report. In response to the committee’s recommendations, the government said that they will soon be publishing a post-implementation review into employment tribunal fees and is looking into the impact of money claims fees on our international competitiveness. The government did not accept the committee’s recommendation on reducing the fee for a divorce petition, delaying increases to Immigration and Asylum Tribunal fees and changes to the fee remission system.

The House of Commons is in recess from Wednesday 9 November and will return on Monday 14 November. The House of Lords is in recess from Thursday 10 November and will return on Tuesday 15 November.

This week, both Houses will continue their focus on the impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Secretary of state for exiting the EU, David Davis MP, will face scrutiny and a call for more detail on the UK’s Brexit strategy at exiting the EU oral questions on Thursday.

In relation to justice, the House of Commons will debate equality of access to justice in the criminal justice system. The Law Society will be briefing MPs ahead of the debate.

Last week saw the chancellor’s first fiscal announcement but there were few new announcements for the justice sector. The government reiterated their plans to reduce the number of whiplash claims and officially confirmed that they will no longer look to privatise the Land Registry. Within the statement, there was also confirmation of a Justice Bill although few specifics were given on what this would contain.

On Friday, the government announced plans to review the recently increased immigration and asylum fees. From today, all applicants will be charged fees at previous levels. Those who had paid the new fees will be reimbursed. The government will also bring forward secondary legislation to formalise these measures as soon as possible. In the meantime the changes will be effected through the use of the lord chancellor’s discretionary power to remit or reduce fees.

The Law Society’s director of public affairs, Robert Khan gave evidence to the Lords Constitution Committee on Wednesday on the legislative process, particularly focusing on pre-legislative scrutiny.