Why is it important that judges are independent and neutral and how independent are judges in the UK?

It is important that in performing the important democratic role of checking governmental power that judges are not politically biased, or pressurised by politicians. In Britain today there are several safe guards protecting judicial independence from government and parliament. Judges can only be dismissed for improper behaviour as they have the power of tenure. Judges have legal immunity from civil actions in their capacity as judges, their pay is also high to protect them from bribery. Unlike politicians judges generally have to give full reasons for their decisions. there are extensive rights of appeal, and parliament has the power to change any law or even reverse a decision of the courts. For example David Blunkett and the asylum seekers issue (2003) where he was said to have defied human rights law. However, judicial independence is extremely important in making sure that the accused has a fair trial, there are several concerns about the extent of judicial independence.

There...