Attorney-General Baroness Scotland has said she will not make key prosecution decisions in individual criminal cases except under extreme circumstances.


Last week, the constitutional affairs select committee reported that the current role of the Attorney-General 'is not an option' and that the post should be de-politicised, 'not least in order to restore public confidence'.



'Legal decisions in prosecutions and the provision of legal advice should rest with someone who is appointed as a career lawyer, and who is not a politician or a member of the government,' it said.



Chairman Alan Beith MP said: 'The heart of the problem... is the need for real and perceived independence in giving legal advice to government, and making decisions about important and sensitive prosecutions that may involve government, while sitting in that same government, appointed by the Prime Minister, and taking the party whip.'



The Attorney General's Office will launch a consultation this week.



Rupert White