New independent reviewer of terrorism legislation reveals he guarded his wife's synagogue

The government’s new independent reviewer of terrorism legislation has revealed he volunteers for security duty at his wife’s synagogue, saying the experience has given him a “different perspective”.

Jonathan Hall QC was announced on Monday by Home Secretary Sajid Javid as the replacement for Max Hill QC, who has left to become director of public prosecutions.

The role is filled by an expert whose duties include writing an annual report on the use of terrorism laws. Mr Javid said Mr Hall would provide “robust oversight to ensure our counter-terrorism laws are fair, necessary and proportionate.”

Speaking to the Times, Mr Hall said that he sometimes volunteers to be part of his family’s synagogue security team on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.