Garden Court North hosts second Mark George KC Memorial Lecture

23 April 2026

The Mark George KC Memorial Lecture 2026. Credit: Alex Blair / Garden Court North Chambers.

Garden Court North hosted the second Mark George KC Memorial Lecture on Tuesday (21 April 2026) at the University of Manchester, bringing together leading lawyers, academics and campaigners to discuss wrongful convictions, and honour the late Head of Garden Court North, Mark George KC.

Following an introduction by Professor Claire McGourlay and Suzanne Gower, Pete Weatherby KC (Garden Court North) interviewed Matt Foot (APPEAL) in a highly engaging segment. The pair dissected a range of topics relating to miscarriages of justice, including wrongful convictions and the case of Andrew Malkinson, who Matt and APPEAL represented in clearing his name of a crime he did not commit, for which he spent 17 years in prison. His case has dominated headlines this week, after Greater Manchester Police finally arrested the man guilty of the crime Andrew Malkinson was wrongly imprisoned for.

Matt reiterated calls across the legal sector to scrap the Government’s proposed reforms to limit jury trials, labelling the right as “the only thing about England I am truly proud of”, and outlining the dangerous ramifications for minoritised communities. He outlined the flawed claims that limiting jury trials would fix the backlog of cases, pointing instead to reopening courts and funding staff.

A panel segment followed, chaired by Claire McGourlay and Suzanne Gower. Pete and Matt further discussed miscarriages of justice alongside Kate Flannery from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, who spoke powerfully on her own decades-long pursuit of justice for the picketing miners brutalised by South Yorkshire Police at the Orgreave Coking Plant in 1984.

Kate drew comparisons between the South Yorkshire Police’s actions at Orgreave with its actions at Hillsborough, both of which Mark was resolute in shining a light on. She also made a public call for former miners, their families, witnesses, organisers and supporters to submit evidence to the Orgreave Inquiry before the 22 May 2026 deadline.

The Mark George KC Memorial Lecture series

This year’s Mark George KC Memorial Lecture marks the second in what Garden Court North intends to be a long-lasting series of annual memorial lectures addressing issues close to Mark’s heart.

Last year’s inaugural lecture saw The Guardian’s David Conn speak about Mark and the Hillsborough campaign alongside Garden Court North’s Pete Weatherby KC, Anna Morris KC, and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

As the late Head of Garden Court North, Mark was a tirelessly dedicated advocate, part of the team representing 22 Hillsborough families during the 2014-16 fresh inquests, and one of the most vocal campaigners for an inquiry into police brutality at Orgreave.

“Mark was many things – a radical barrister, formidable advocate, opponent of the death penalty, lifelong socialist – but above all, a man of integrity, kindness, and wisdom,” said Pete. “He combined humanity with fierce intellectual commitment. Whether defending protesters or representing Hillsborough families, Mark gave everything to his clients.”

“Mark is a much-missed friend and colleague, and I am glad that a lecture held in his memory highlighted the importance of the Hillsborough Law – if it was in place in 1989, the truth could not have been concealed. Those hiding it would have known they’d be found out and prosecuted. This sophisticated bill has a clear purpose and should be urgently introduced.”

Additional media

Garden Court North – Garden Court North Chambers and the University of Manchester host the inaugural Mark George KC Memorial Lecture

Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign – Orgreave Inquiry Call for Evidence

APPEAL – Call for Change to Compensation Rules

Yvette Vanson – The Battle for Orgreave

For further information, please contact Alex Blair, Communications Manager at Garden Court North Chambers: ablair@gcnchambers.co.uk