British House of Lords Narrows Scope of Bill to Expand Use of Secret Courts

The British House of Lords has significantly narrowed the scope of a justice and security bill that would have expanded the use of secret courts in the United Kingdom.

The Guardian also reports that the proposals came under “ferocious assault” by a number of the country’s most senior retired judges and politicians.

"I hope that we will be able to amend the bill to allay those concerns in line with many of the recommendations made by the joint committee on human rights," said Lord Lester, according to the Guardian.

The publication also reported that the action will send a “powerful message” to the House of Commons and the British government.

It noted that human rights groups and prominent lawyers have condemned the central section of the justice and security bill, which expands the use of secret courts described as "closed material proceedings."