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What a big pity?

In my view Sumption is still trapped in the mindset that has continued to make women look less deserving of any top position despite their outstanding contributions in all spheres of life.

He is concerned that men may stay away and cited France. What he failed to say is whether the quality or standard of justice currently being provided by the French Judiciary under its new complexion is now different and without fairness and justice still the basis of all their judgment.

He also mentioned that women are not prepared to work long hours and thus their inadequate representation at higher levels. I wonder how he came to this conclusion and if he realises that he is able to work such long hours because of the sacrifices women make. If the roles were to reverse and he has to stay home to look after the family or work and look after the family as many women do these days, would he then accept that he no longer has the common sense to make decisions at such high levels and may be a danger to justice just because he has been multi tasking as many women do?

In my view, his ideas are derogatory and must be dismissed. Women are not seeking to take over the judiciary, they are simply expecting to be recognised and respected for what they are worth and quite rightly so.

Attitudes like this must be discouraged. He is still clearly seeing the legal profession from an old boys' spectacle which is quite unfortunate.