Charlie Falconer's empire just got bigger

The announcement today that the Home Office is to be split
into two, with the justice functions amalgamated with the
Department for Constitutional Affairs, gives the current
Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs an even bigger
toybox than usual.

The responses from the legal profession have been guarded
so far.

Lord Phillips, the Lord Chief Justice, was the quickest off
the mark. He gave a cautious welcome and warned pointedly:
"Structures are required that will prevent the additional
responsibilities taken on by the new ministry interfering
with or damaging the independent administration and proper
funding of the court service."

We're meeting Falconer in the morning and he has promised
to tell us all about it. Tune in tomorrow for an update.