The judiciary has confirmed that a British non-permanent judge, Nicholas Phillips, is stepping down from Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal for "personal reasons", ending his 12 years on the bench. A spokesperson told RTHK on Monday that the departure of Phillips, 86, would not affect the operation of the top court. "He indicated recently that he did not wish to have his term of appointment extended upon its expiry on September 30, 2024 due to personal reasons. Lord Phillips has completed four terms of office totalling 12 years," the spokesperson said. "The judiciary is grateful to Lord Phillips for his valuable contributions to the work of the [Court of Final Appeal] and his support for the rule of law in Hong Kong during his tenure in the past years." Phillips is the fifth overseas non-permanent judge leaving the top court in 2024. British judges Lawrence Collins and Jonathan Sumption, as well as former Canadian top judge Beverly McLachlin, announced their departure from the Court of Final Appeal earlier this year. Anthony Murray Gleeson from Australia also left the bench in March. Following Phillips' exit, there are 10 non-permanent judges left sitting on the top court, six of them from overseas. "Despite the departure of some [non-permanent judges] in recent years, an overwhelming majority of the serving and departed [non-permanent judges] have publicly reiterated their continued confidence in judicial independence in Hong Kong and the commitment of the Hong Kong courts towards upholding the rule of law," the spokesperson said. "In light of its steady caseload, the operation of [the Court of Final Appeal] will not be affected by the recent change in membership of the court." Work to identify suitable local and overseas candidates to be appointed as non-permanent judges will continue, the judiciary added. Phillips was appointed to the Court of Final Appeal in 2012. He previously served as chief justice of England and Wales from 2005 to 2008, and held the position of the first president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 2009 until 2012. He was awarded a Gold Bauhinia Star in 2023.
