Why Justice for All Makes Economic Sense

Justice for All Series at the Old Bailey

A bold new initiative exploring the future of justice in the UK has been announced today. The Justice for All Series is a year-long programme of high-level events that will bring together leaders from the legal, political, corporate, and civic sectors to examine the urgent challenges facing modern justice systems and the investment and reform needed to address them.

The concept was developed by Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, who today was formally elected as Sheriff-Elect of the City of London for 2025/26. Taking office in September for one year, among Hughes-Penney’s duties will be this series, centred at the Old Bailey—the most iconic criminal court in the world and a symbol of the UK’s legal heritage.

The series, sponsored by Serco, the provider of services and support to governments internationally with UK operations spanning defence, space, healthcare, justice and migration, transport and citizen services, will explore the financial, moral, and institutional requirements for delivering justice in the 21st century. It aims to identify practical strategies for improving judicial infrastructure, supporting survivors and the accused, reducing reoffending, and harnessing new technologies like AI for the public good.

The first of five events launches this autumn and commemorates two major milestones: the 800th anniversary of the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta and the 10th anniversary of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Hosted by the City of London Corporation in partnership with the Magna Carta Trust, the event will feature a keynote address by Lord Neuberger, former President of the UK Supreme Court, and will provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the rule of law.

Subsequent events will focus on:

• Justice for the Accused – exploring fair treatment and access to representation
• Justice for Survivors – addressing support for victims of modern slavery and gender-based violence
• Justice for Prison Leavers – tackling rehabilitation, education, and employment
• Financing sustainable improvements to the justice system– financing justice for the next generation

Each event will be supported by briefing papers prepared by RAND Europe, an independent, not-for-profit policy research organisation dedicated to improving policy and decision-making through rigorous, objective research and analysis.  The topics discussed at the five events will  be synthesised into a capping report to be published in the Summer of 2026.