Government claims lawyers refusing to prosecute climate protesters are ‘undermining rule of law’

But minister accused of ignoring ethical dilemmas and making ‘bad faith’ argument

Activists from the Just Stop Oil climate change campaign group hold up placards as they march from Pentonville Prison in protest at the holding of political prisoners (AFP via Getty Images)

The government has accused lawyers refusing to prosecute climate protesters or act for fossil fuel interests of "undermining" the rule of law and independence of the legal profession.

The solicitor general Michael Tomlinson said the pledge, made by over 100 lawyers, was "fundamentally at odds with the idea that every person is entitled to a fair trial".

But he was accused of making a "bad faith" argument and ignoring the ethical dilemmas lawyers face.