Politicians have done little to help Libya, but at least British courts have pointed the right way

The UK judiciary is still admired around the world – and now it is helping open up the Libyan Investment Authority, writes Chris Blackhurst

Supporters of Khalifa Haftar take part in a gathering in Benghazi this month (AFP/Getty)

Whenever surveys are conducted into what it is that draws foreign investors to the UK, one of the factors that is always mentioned is the judiciary.

We’re admired the world over for the independence of our judges, their ability to remain detached from whatever circus is unfolding and to reach measured, objective decisions. They’re not easily swayed or influenced; they definitely do not grandstand or seek the limelight.

Take Libya. Even the simple mention of the country conjures up an immediate image of chaos and conflict. It’s been like that for a decade – well, ever since 2011 when an international coalition led by the UK and France intervened to mount missile strikes and cause the overthrow of Libya’s then ruler, Colonel Gaddafi. Arguably the rot had set in well before, but there’s no doubt their campaign, and Gaddafi’s subsequent toppling, made a bad situation much worse.