GovWire

The report covers the Supreme Courts eleventh full financial year and sets out its key achievements and progress towards its strategic objectives.

In his forward, Lord Reed, the President of the Supreme Court, explains that both the UKSC and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) have operated entirely virtually throughout the reporting year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. He pays tribute to the hard work of his fellow justices and the staff of the court which allowed the Court to continue to deliver a high level of service during this time.

Lord Reed observes that the UKs withdrawal from the European Union, on 31 December 2020, has changed the relationship between the UKSC and the Court of Justice of the European Union but comments that as part of the Courts contribution to the new international role for the country and as the flagship for the UKs commitment to the rule of law, the UKSC has continued to build strong relationships with courts around the world, taking part in virtual meetings and exchanges with both Ireland and Japan during the year.

He also charts the changes to the bench during the reporting year and cites his vision and priorities for the future.

The Report sets out how the Supreme Court heard 61 appeals and delivered 54 judgments and the JCPC heard 41 appeals and gave 31 judgments.

The Report was presented to Parliament under Section 54(1) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. The accounts were presented to the House of Commons under Section 6(4) of the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000.