Denise Kiley KC

Mr Davis, speaking in favour of a legacy commission, referred to coroner’s inquests in Northern Ireland as “public theatre” and that the IRA wished to perpetuate “nonsense” in court, concluding his remarks: “That is another reason why I would rather see the dispassionate actions of the commission than the activities of IRA lawyers in the courts.”

Ms Kiley KC said: “The Bar of Northern Ireland condemns the remarks about lawyers which were made by David Davis MP in the House of Commons during the debate on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

“The cab rank rule is a bedrock obligation for the independent referral Bar. The rule means that barristers do not pick and choose between clients. They accept any case within their competence provided they are available.

“It is a dangerous misrepresentation to describe barristers or solicitors as aligned with the cause of their clients. The legal profession in Northern Ireland knows the cost of that misrepresentation better than anywhere. Lawyers in this jurisdiction have been murdered for doing their jobs. Blurring the line between lawyer and client puts people in danger.

“The UK is a signatory to the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Lawyer. The Convention is clear; lawyers can only fulfil their duties if they can operate safely and independently, protected from harassment, threat and interference.

“Everyone in public life has a responsibility to use language responsibly. Elected representatives should never engage in reckless rhetoric contrary to the principles of the Convention and which puts barristers and solicitors at risk of threat and harm.

“We call upon Mr Davis MP to withdraw his comments immediately and to reflect upon what he has said and the dangers it might cause.”