Resetting the PACE (Pt 2)

In brief

• Revising PACE Codes C and E to legitimise remote legal advice in police stations because of COVID-19: Home Office proposals.
• National Appropriate Adult Network’s response: identifying serious implications.
• Law Society’s response: support for the proposals.

The Home Office proposes to revise PACE Codes C and E to legitimise remote legal advice in police stations because of COVID-19 (‘Re-setting the PACE’, NLJ, 26 June 2020). The Consultation closed on 3 July. The intention is to use the procedure allowing expedited changes to the PACE Codes without the need for parliamentary approval.

PACE s 67(7) states that revision of the Codes requires a draft order first to be laid before parliament and then approval by a resolution in both Houses. Sub-section (7A) says, however, that if the order has been made without a draft having been approved by a resolution of each House, it need only be laid before Parliament.