02 February 2012, Male';Members of Parliament in Britain have expressed their growing concern over the state of the judiciary in the Maldives, labelling sitting judges 'under qualified, often corrupt and hostile to the democratically elected regime'.
In a recent debate in Parliament, John Glen, an MP from Prime Minister David Cameron's ruling Conservative Party, called on the Leader of the House to urgently make time for a debate on judicial reform in the Maldives.
Mr. Glen said "although the judiciary is constitutionally independent, the sitting judges are under qualified, often corrupt and hostile to the democratically elected regime."
In response to the question, George Young MP, also a Conservative Party member and Leader of the House of Commons, said that the British government is doing everything possible to solve the impasse in the Maldives.
Young also said that the British Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Alistair Burt, understands the problems inherent in the Maldivian judiciary and is in discussions with President Nasheed to find a way to solve the problem.
He added "the High Commission in Colombo is also engaged. We want to help Maldives to make progress towards democratic reform in the direction that my friend John Glen outlines."
End.