Bad news for the nation’s senior judges last week, with confirmation that the mandatory retirement age of 70 will continue to stand. Justice secretary Ken Clarke (pictured) told the House of Commons that relaxing the compulsory age would mean judges of all kinds might enjoy a job for life. ‘If we let everybody go on until whatever age, we will get into difficulties and politicians or somebody else will have to start appraising their performance, as they cannot be dismissed peremptorily,’ said Clarke.

Obiter would be remiss if it didn’t send our congratulations to Clarke, who happened to celebrate his birthday on the day of his Commons appearance. His 72nd, in case you were interested.