Conduct of the Hon. Mr Justice Jay

That this House notes with profound concern reports that, during proceedings in the High Court concerning the convicted Al-Qaeda terrorist Haroon Aswat, the Hon. Mr Justice Jay made remarks to the terrorist, extending him "best wishes" and sympathy for his imprisonment ("it could not have been too pleasant being in American custody all that time"); believes that such remarks are wholly inappropriate given the gravity of Aswat's offences, which included conspiring to establish a terrorist training camp in the United States, and undermines solemnity of the court; considers that this conduct falls below the high standards of judgement required of a holder of senior judicial office and risks diminishing public confidence in the administration of justice, particularly in matters of national security; and deplores the conduct of the Hon. Mr Justice Jay.