Judges and members of the legal profession gathered in Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 1st October 2025 for a service to mark the start of the legal year in England and Wales.
The annual service, which dates back to 1897, was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said in his Bidding:
‘At the beginning of the legal year, we gather in the presence of almighty God, who is the judge of all and who knows the secrets of our hearts, to renew our commitment to the service of the Crown and to all manner of people that we may, together, do right.
We acknowledge a shared high calling, a common commitment to a justice that all can recognize, done without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So we seek God’s strength and guidance that we might remain true to our calling; informed, wise, and just.’
The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill DBE, read Proverbs 2: 6–11; and The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and Deputy Prime Minister, The Right Honourable David Lammy MP, read James 3: 13–18.
The Address was given by the Right Reverend Dr Emma Ineson, Bishop of Kensington. The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers. The organ was played by Matthew Jorysz, Sub-Organist.