Baroness Helena Kennedy KC

Baroness Helena Kennedy KC joined Unlock Democracy as Honorary President in 2023.

Baroness Kennedy KC is a leading barrister and an expert in human rights law, civil liberties, and constitutional matters. In 1997, she was elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws.

A committed advocate for constitutional reform, Kennedy was a founding member and former Chair of Charter 88, Unlock Democracy’s predecessor. She was instrumental in persuading the Labour Party to adopt some of Chater 88’s proposals in their 1997 General Election manifesto, including its devolution programme, the Human Rights Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and reform of the House of Lords.

Kennedy is also a renowned broadcaster, journalist, and author. Her publications include Eve Was Framed: Women and British Justice, and Just Law: The Changing Face of Justice and Why It Matters To Us All.