Wikipedia

Sarah Sackman

Sarah Rebecca Sackmanis a BritishbarristerandLabour Partypolitician who has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) forFinchley and Golders Greensince July 2024, and as the Minister of State for Courts and Legal Servicessince December 2024. She previously served as Solicitor General for England and Wales from July 2024 until her appointment. She has gained prominence for her work in environmental and public law, as well as her political activities within the Labour Party.

Sarah Sackman
KCMP
Sackman in 2024
Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 December 2024
Prime MinisterKeir Starmer
Preceded byHeidi Alexander
Solicitor General for England and Wales
In office
9 July 2024 – 2 December 2024
Prime MinisterKeir Starmer
Preceded byRobert Courts
Succeeded byLucy Rigby
Member of Parliament
forFinchley and Golders Green
Incumbent
Assumed office
4 July 2024
Preceded byMike Freer
Majority4,581 (9.2%)
Personal details
Born
Sarah Rebecca Sackman

London,England
RelationsSolomon Seruya(grandfather)
Children2
Alma mater
Websitehttps://sarahsackman.com/

Early life and education

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Sarah Rebecca Sackman[1]was born and raised inEast Finchley,London,England.[2]Her father is aNorth Londonsolicitor ofEastern Europeandescent who moved to East London. Her mother's family moved fromTarragonain Spain,[3]Italy, and Morocco toGibraltar,where they own a 150-year old perfumery.[4]Sarah's maternal grandfather was Gibraltar's former Minister for Economic Development and former independent MP in the Gibraltar Legislative CouncilSolomon Seruya.[5]

Sackman was privately educated atSouth Hampstead High School,[2]where she was head girl.[6]She then studied history atQueens' College, Cambridge,where she graduated with a first-classBAdegree in 2006.[7]

She went on to obtain a Graduate Diploma in Law with distinction atCity, University of London[citation needed]and an LLM fromHarvard Law Schoolspecialising in cities, housing, local government, and poverty law.[8]

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Sackman took a scholarship as a judicial clerkship at theSupreme Court of IsraelinJerusalem.[9]She wascalled to the barat theInner Templein November 2008.[1]From October 2008 Sackman worked as a barrister and housing expert for Francis Taylor Building, a chambers specialising in planning law.[10][11]Sackman took on human rights training at theBritish CouncilinYangon,Burmain 2013.[9][12]

In 2017 The Markaz El Tathgheef el-Eslami group (MTE) boughtGolders Green Hippodromewith the intention of converting it into an Islamic centre. There were a number of objections from residents who cited concerns such as parking and congestion but some opposed the move on the grounds of a Muslim centre being located in an area (Golders Green) with a large Jewish population.[13]Sackman, acting for MTE, said it was hard to see how it had "not been treated differently to other religious groups who have previously used the building."[14]In 2021Hillsong Churchpurchased the venue.[15]

Sackman contributed a chapter toCommunity-Led Generation - A Toolkit for Residents and Plannersby Pablo Sendra and Daniel Fitzpatrick on using the law to challenge redevelopment through courts. The book was published in 2020.[16]

Between September 2021 and 2024[17]Sackman worked as a barrister atMatrix Chambersalong withRichard Hermerthe currentAttorney General for England and Wales[9][18][19][20]and worked on a number of cases mainly focused on Public and Environmental Law.[21]

In 2022 Sackman worked on the appellant team inR (on the application of Coughlan) v Minister for the Cabinet Officeagainst the government trial ofvoter IDarguing that it was unlawful to be made underRepresentation of the People Act 2000.[22][23]The appeal was dismissed on grounds that section 10 enabled pilot schemes under the condition that the government encouraged voting which it did where reduction in voter fraud increased voter confidence.[24]

Early political career

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2015 general election

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In the2015 general election,Sackman stood for the Labour Party inFinchley and Golders Green;she won the preliminary selection against Alon Or-Bach and Catherine Tuitt.[2]She lost the election to the incumbentMike Freerwho won with a majority of 5,662 votes.[25]Sackman was vice-chair of theJewish Labour Movementbetween 2015 and 2024.[26]In 2016 Sackman gave a speech on 80th anniversary ofBattle of Cable Street.[3]

2024 general election

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Inthe 2024 election,Sackman stood again for the same constituency against Arjun Mittra and won the preliminary.[27]Sackman stood on supporting economic growth, particularly in small businesses, cutting business rates for small businesses and freezing energy prices, investing in skills and giving grants to provide work for young unemployed. Putting more money into the NHS, a new system where care for the elderly. Get more police back on the streets.[28]She holds that a Labour government would continue to regard British ties with Israel as important. But she said it must continue to advocate for a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, and for "democratic values".[4]

Sackman was backed by a number of Labour politicians, includingPrime MinistersGordon Brown,[29]Keir Starmer[30]andChancellorRachel Reeves.[31]Sackman won the election with a majority of 4,581 votes.[32]In her victory speech, which was held atRoyal Air Force Museum.Sackman said the community would "triumph over hate" in a campaign in which Labour's record on tackling anti-semitism came under the spotlight.[33]and that she would help to build: "A society where nurses aren't forced to visit foodbanks; where women and girls aren't afraid to walk home at night; where we act when we see the planet on fire, and where we welcome rather than demonise those, like my ancestors, who come to this country fleeing persecution."[34][35]

Member of Parliament (2024–present)

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Inside Housinglisted Sackman as one of eight newly elected MPs who would be advocates for the cause ofsocial housingin thenew Labour governmentdue to her experience with planning and environmental law and her work with the charityShelter.[36]

On 9 July 2024, she was appointedSolicitor General for England and Wales.[37][38][39]Sackman took herOathon theHebrew Bible.[40]She had wanted to take the oath on theHertz Chumashbut could not do so as it was not held by theHouse of Commons Library,and was informed that the 1743 edition of the Hebrew Bible was too delicate to take out the library.[41]In hermaiden speechon 22 July 2024, Sackman paid tribute to her predecessorMike Freer,and compared herself to another one of her predecessors,Margaret Thatcher,saying that,unlike Thatcher,she fundamentally believed in the existence and value of society. Sackman noted that, in recent times, some politicians[42]have chosen to use "North Londoner" as an insult, but her and her constituents wear it as a badge of pride. Sackman promised to "tirelessly call outantisemitismandIslamophobia",and voiced support for the bills in the 2024King's Speechas a vehicle to restore British public services.[43][44]

In response to the2024 United Kingdom riotsin whichRed Flareleaked messages from Far-Right wing Telegram groups namingNorth Finchleyas a possible gathering place outside immigration law specialists[45][46][47]Sackman called the targeting of this service "disgusting"[48]and on the day of the planned riot chaired a meeting of unity with Jewish and Muslim leaders to deepen community cohesion.[49][50]

Sackman secured additional funding in theOctober 2024 United Kingdom budgetfor theCrown Prosecution Serviceto support Rape and Serious Sexual Offences teams.[51]

On 2 December 2024, Sackman was appointed as theMinister of Statefor Courts and Legal Servicesin theMinistry of Justice,after serving 146 days as Solicitor General, in a minor reshuffle following the resignation ofLouise HaighSecretary of State for Transportand then subsequent vacancy of the role byHeidi Alexanderafter becoming Transport Secetary.[52]

She has gained prominence for her work in environmental and public law, as well as her political activities within the Labour Party.[53]

Political positions

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Assisted dying

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Sackman published a letter to her constituents in November 2024 that she would supportTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.She said her central reason for supporting the bill was a respect for individual autonomy and she was struck by that in dying we have no control. QuotingJonathan Romainthat the Bill is about shortening death - not shortening life, in her own words "the right to choose is an expression of the liberty which is, in essence, what makes life so precious".[54]

Personal life

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Sackman is a member ofNew North London Synagogue.[55]She has two children and is married to a lawyer; they married inBevis Marks Synagogue.[56]

Sackman served as a school governor for four years in a state primary in Camden and has also volunteered atToynbee HallFree Legal Advice Centre.[9]

Other roles

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As of April 2018,Sackman was a visiting lecturer at theLondon School of EconomicsCities Programme, teachingpublic lawandurban politics.[8]

References

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  1. ^abBoard, The Bar Standards."Barrister Details - Miss Sarah Rebecca Sackman".www.barstandardsboard.org.uk.Retrieved30 July2024.
  2. ^abc"Lawyer Sarah Sackman to stand as Labour candidate for Finchley and Golders Green".Ham & High.2 September 2013.Retrieved5 July2024.
  3. ^abSackman, Sarah (10 October 2016)."JLM Vice Chair Sarah Sackman's speech to the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street".The Jewish Labour Movement.Jewish Labour Movement.Retrieved16 July2024.
  4. ^abRose, David."Sir Keir's Jewish candidate for Finchley opens up about family life".The JC.Retrieved5 July2024.
  5. ^"UK's Solicitor General reminds Commons of her Gibraltarian roots in maiden speech".Retrieved23 July2024.
  6. ^"Labour's Sarah Sackman tipped as 'most likely to become PM' at school".Ham & High.17 April 2015.Retrieved9 July2024.
  7. ^"Queens' College Record 2007",p. 43.queens.cam.ac.uk.Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  8. ^ab"Challenges of Participation and Representation in Urban Development – Sarah Sackman, Barrister at Francis Taylor Building [About the author]".LSE London.25 April 2018.Retrieved30 November2024.
  9. ^abcd"Sarah Sackman".Matrix Chambers.
  10. ^"[Home page]".Francis Taylor Building.Archived fromthe originalon 5 July 2024.Retrieved5 July2024.
  11. ^"Sarah Sackman | Barrister London | Francis Taylor Building".31 July 2021. Archived fromthe originalon 31 July 2021.Retrieved5 July2024.
  12. ^"Sarah Sackman".Legal500.Retrieved5 July2024.
  13. ^Sherwood, Harriet (6 November 2017)."Faith leaders condemn 'racist' objections to Golders Green mosque".The Guardian.ISSN0261-3077.Retrieved4 July2024.
  14. ^Doherty, Rosa."Golders Green Islamic centre decision delay".The JC.Retrieved4 July2024.
  15. ^Sherwood, Harriet (21 October 2021)."Megachurch buys Golders Green Hippodrome after mosque plan blocked".The Guardian.ISSN0261-3077.Retrieved4 July2024.
  16. ^Sendra, Pablo; Fitzpatrick, Daniel (15 April 2020).Community-Led Generation: A Toolkit for Residents and Planners.UCL Press.ISBN978-1-78735-606-1.
  17. ^"Sarah Sackman LinkedIn".LinkedIn.
  18. ^"Richard Hermer KC".Matrix Chambers.Archivedfrom the original on 8 July 2024.Retrieved16 July2024.
  19. ^Harpin, Lee (6 July 2024)."Starmer appoints lawyer who opposed Gove's anti-BDS bill as Attorney General".Jewish News.Retrieved16 July2024.
  20. ^Fouzder, Monidipa."Barrister-MP Sackman is solicitor general".Law Gazette.Retrieved16 July2024.
  21. ^"British and Irish Legal Information Institute - Search results for Sarah Sackman".British and Irish Legal Information Institute(Search results on cases from the Courts of the four jurisdictions of the United Kingdom and from the Courts of Ireland.).Retrieved12 July2024.
  22. ^"Supreme Court hears Voter ID challenge".Matrix Chambers.15 February 2022.Retrieved9 July2024.
  23. ^"R (on the application of Coughlan) (Appellant) v Minister for the Cabinet Office (Respondent) - The Supreme Court".The Supreme Court.Retrieved9 July2024.
  24. ^"JUDGMENT R (on the application of Coughlan) (Appellant) v Minister for the Cabinet Office (Respondent)"(PDF).Supreme Court UK.
  25. ^"Election result for Finchley and Golders Green (Constituency) - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament".Retrieved6 July2024.
  26. ^Langlebe, Adam (3 February 2015)."JLM Elects New National Executive Committee".The Jewish Labour Movement.Archived fromthe originalon 16 July 2024.Retrieved16 July2024.
  27. ^Neame, Katie (12 October 2022)."Four make longlist for parliamentary selection in Finchley and Golders Green".LabourList.Retrieved5 July2024.
  28. ^"Sarah Sackman tells Parikiaki why she should be the next MP for Finchley & Golders Green | Parikiaki Cyprus and Cypriot News".2 April 2015.Retrieved5 July2024.
  29. ^Bell-Cross, Lorin."Former PM backs Labour's Sackman in Golders Green".The JC.Retrieved5 July2024.
  30. ^Harpin, Lee (7 June 2024)."Starmer: There has to be a 'safe and secure Israel' for Labour to recognise Palestine".Jewish News.Retrieved5 July2024.
  31. ^Harpin, Lee (7 February 2023)."Rachel Reeves: My anger at Labour MP's 'fascist Israel' outburst".Jewish News.Retrieved9 July2024.
  32. ^"Finchley and Golders Green - General election results 2024".BBC News.Retrieved5 July2024.
  33. ^Dunne, John (5 July 2024)."Labour wins Margaret Thatcher's former constituency from Tories".Evening Standard.Retrieved5 July2024.
  34. ^Floyd, David (5 July 2024)."Victorious Sarah Sackman says" changed Labour "is" beacon of hope "".Barnet Post.Retrieved12 July2024.
  35. ^Evening Standard(5 July 2024)."Finchley And Golders Green: Labour's Sarah Sackman Wins - Evening Standard".Sarah Sackman Victory Speech following election to MP ofFinchley and Golders Green (UK Parliament constituency).Royal Air Force Museum London.x91k64k.Retrieved12 July2024– viaDailymotion.
  36. ^Birch, Jules (20 August 2010)."The new generation of social housing allies in Westminster".Inside Housing.Archived fromthe originalon 9 July 2024.Retrieved9 July2024.
  37. ^"Finchley and Golders Green MP given ministerial role".Barnet Post.Archived fromthe originalon 9 July 2024.Retrieved9 July2024.
  38. ^Hoyle, Sir Lindsay(10 July 2024)."Commons business papers - Votes and Proceedings Wednesday 10 July 2024 - Chamber business".Uk Parliament.Archivedfrom the original on 19 July 2024.Retrieved19 July2024.
  39. ^Morton, Becky; Zeffman, Henry."Starmer gives government jobs to brand new MPs".BBC News.Archived fromthe originalon 9 July 2024.Retrieved9 July2024.
  40. ^"Parliamentlive.tv - House of Commons.html".parliamentlive.tv.House of Commons: © Parliamentary Copyright. 10 July 2024.Retrieved10 July2024.
  41. ^Bell-Cross, Lorin."Which texts did Jewish MPs swear their oath of allegiance on?".www.thejc.com.Retrieved16 July2024.
  42. ^Mead, Rebecca (29 October 2022)."The Hypocrisy of Rishi Sunak's" North London "Slur".The New Yorker.ISSN0028-792X.Archived fromthe originalon 29 October 2022.Retrieved22 July2024.
  43. ^Harpin, Lee (22 July 2024)."Sackman accuses Braverman of trying to 'rewrite history' as she delivers maiden speech".Jewish News.Archivedfrom the original on 22 July 2024.Retrieved22 July2024.
  44. ^"Sarah Sackman maiden speech - Parliamentlive.tv - House of Commons - Monday 22 July 2024".parliamentlive.tv.House of Commons:© Parliamentary Copyright.Archivedfrom the original on 22 July 2024.Retrieved22 July2024.
  45. ^"Neo-Nazis Call for Arson Attacks on Immigration-related Charities, Advice Centres and Solicitors".Redflare.5 August 2024 [2024-08-05]. Archived fromthe originalon 29 November 2024.Retrieved29 November2024.
  46. ^Bolton, Tim (6 August 2024)."Full list of immigration centres where these low lives are planning on turning up tomorrow night".Twitter.Uncensored list of immigration centers first published and then later censored byRed Flare.Archived fromthe originalon 29 November 2024.Retrieved29 November2024– viaTwitter.
  47. ^Busby-McVey, Lorraine (6 August 2024)."Update from Neighbourhood Superintendent Lorraine Busby-McVey - 5:29 PM · Aug 6, 2024".Twitter.Barnet MPS North West BCU.Archivedfrom the original on 29 November 2024.
  48. ^Raffray, Nathalie (6 August 2024)."MP claims far right riot action planned for North Finchley".Ham & High(Digital). Archived fromthe originalon 29 November 2024.Retrieved29 November2024.
  49. ^Harpin, Lee (7 August 2024)."Sackman chairs unity meeting with Jewish and Muslim leaders ahead of far-right Finchley demo".Jewish News.Retrieved12 August2024.
  50. ^Floyd, David (7 August 2024)."Sarah Sackman:" This is not our Finchley "".Barnet Post.Retrieved12 August2024.
  51. ^Rosenberg, Michelle (2 December 2024)."OPINION: Abuse against women and girls takes many forms".Jewish News.Retrieved2 December2024.
  52. ^"Ministerial appointments: 2 December 2024".GOV.UK.Retrieved2 December2024.
  53. ^Courea, Eleni (5 June 2024)."Rising stars who could play a big part in a Labour government".The Guardian.
  54. ^Sackman, Sarah (28 November 2024),English: A letter from Sarah Sackman to her constituents on her decision in how she will vote for the assisted dying bill(PDF),retrieved28 November2024
  55. ^Rose, David."'I'll be a strong Jewish voice in government pledges Labour's candidate for Golders Green ".The JC.Retrieved5 July2024.
  56. ^Sackman, Sarah."Sarah Sackman on X_ _I love Bevis Marks Synagogue".
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