Robin Butler, Baron Butler of Brockwell, English academic and politician

Frederick Edward Robin Butler, widely known as Baron Butler of Brockwell, born on 3 January 1938, stands as a prominent figure in British public life. His illustrious career is primarily defined by decades of dedicated service as a high-ranking British civil servant, culminating in his current role as a respected independent member of the House of Lords, where he sits as a crossbencher.

A Distinguished Career in the British Civil Service

Lord Butler of Brockwell's career exemplifies the pinnacle of professional public service within the United Kingdom. A British civil servant is an impartial, non-political government employee responsible for implementing government policy and administering public services. They provide continuity and expertise regardless of the political party in power.

Key Roles and Contributions

His tenure in the civil service spanned several pivotal decades, marked by a series of increasingly influential appointments. His most significant roles included:

From Whitehall to Westminster: A Life Peerage and the House of Lords

Upon his retirement from the civil service in 1998, Frederick Butler's distinguished public service was formally recognized with a life peerage, conferring upon him the title of Baron Butler of Brockwell, of Brockwell in the London Borough of Lambeth. This appointment signifies a transition from the administrative heart of government in Whitehall to the legislative chambers of Westminster.

Understanding the House of Lords and a Life Peerage

The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament, primarily responsible for scrutinising legislation, holding the government to account, and debating public policy. Unlike the elected House of Commons, members of the House of Lords are appointed, either through hereditary peerages (a diminishing number), or more commonly, as life peers. A life peerage, granted by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, allows an individual to sit in the House of Lords for their lifetime, but the title is not hereditary. Such peerages are often awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to public life, academia, business, or the arts, enabling them to continue contributing their expertise to the legislative process.

Sitting as a Crossbencher

As Baron Butler of Brockwell, he sits in the House of Lords as a 'crossbencher'. This designation is significant: crossbench peers are not affiliated with any particular political party. They literally sit on the benches that cross the chamber, separating the government and opposition benches. Their independence allows them to vote and contribute to debates solely on the merits of the arguments, free from party political allegiances. Lord Butler's extensive experience at the highest echelons of government makes his independent contributions particularly valuable in parliamentary scrutiny and debate.

Continued Public Service and Influence

Even after his formal retirement from the civil service, Lord Butler has continued to serve the public through various capacities. Most notably, he chaired the official inquiry into intelligence on weapons of mass destruction, known as the Butler Review, which published its findings in 2004. This inquiry investigated the intelligence received by the British government prior to the 2003 Iraq War, demonstrating his enduring commitment to public accountability and scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baron Butler of Brockwell

Who is Frederick Edward Robin Butler?
Frederick Edward Robin Butler, also known as Baron Butler of Brockwell, is a highly distinguished retired British civil servant born on 3 January 1938. He is now a life peer sitting as an independent member (crossbencher) in the House of Lords.
What notable positions did Baron Butler hold in the civil service?
Lord Butler held several crucial roles, including Principal Private Secretary to four Prime Ministers (Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, Margaret Thatcher, John Major), Head of the Home Civil Service, and most prominently, Cabinet Secretary from 1988 to 1998. He was the most senior civil servant in the UK during his tenure.
What does it mean to be a 'crossbencher' in the House of Lords?
A crossbencher in the House of Lords is a peer who does not align with any political party. They sit independently, voting and contributing to debates based on their own judgment rather than party lines, often bringing expert, non-partisan perspectives to legislative scrutiny.
What is a life peerage?
A life peerage is a non-hereditary title of nobility granted by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. It entitles the recipient to sit in the House of Lords for their lifetime. These are typically awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to public life, allowing them to continue serving the nation in Parliament.