Chairwoman alla Conferenza internazionale "Democracy & the Rule of Law Conference" (Sir Jeffrey Jowell QC Keynote) presso la Westminster University di Londra

This conference brings together academics and practitioners from all over the world and tackles some of the many topical issues that seem jeopardised by legal and political developments both at the national and international levels. It focuses on the relationship between the rule of law and democracy, and identifies some of the challenges that both face in light of recent and ongoing developments in the US, Europe, and Asia. The panels begin with a generalist, theoretical approach before moving onto the intergovernmental and national levels. Finally, perhaps the greatest modern day challenge is tackled: the balance between mass security and personal rights, seen through the lens of the dichotomy of fighting terrorism and maintaining the rule of law. The conference does not, however, simply invite audience members to sit and listen. Rather, the Concluding Roundtable Discussion will invite members of the audience and panellists together to assess the research presented, discuss ongoing and future challenges of the relationship between the rule of law and democracy, and provide ideas as to how these can be overcome. It will be an interactive session with the aim of robust dialogue, rebuttal, and analysis, leading to proposals as to the future of the rule of law and democracy in light of the day's panel presentations and the current context in which they have been delivered.