Martin Rhodes MP Visits the GO Justice Centre

On 5 September 2025 the Glasgow Open (GO) Justice Centre welcomed Martin Rhodes, MP for Glasgow North. Martin was welcomed to the newly established GO Justice Centre space, an extension as part of the Law Workshop refurbishment.

Mr Rhodes’ visit followed his two Early Day Motions submitted to the House of Commons on 6 May 2025 following Go Justice’s success in being recognised as having made the ‘Best Contribution by a Law School’ at the 2025 Law Works and Attorney General’s Student Pro Bono Awards. The Emma Ritch Law Clinic also received high commendation in the category of ‘Best New Pro Bono Activity’.

Mr Rhodes met with Head of School Professor Claire McDiarmid along with members of the GO Justice staff team, Professor Nicole Busby, Professor Maria Fletcher and Mr. Eamon Keane. Students representing different projects also attended. Michelle Suryo and Doga Goundouz from the Emma Ritch Law Clinic as well as Christabel Enabulele Odeh and Sailee Deepak Rane from the Lawyering for Social Change Clinic.

Following an introduction to GO Justice by Nicole and Maria, Eamon spoke about the ‘innovative and radical’ approach of its legal and policy work and praised the students’ commitment and engagement. Mr Rhodes was very interested to learn about the experiences of the students themselves and asked them a number of questions, including how their work within GO Justice had contributed to their understanding of law. The students noted how the different projects had given them valuable insights into real-life stories of how people navigate the law and legal processes. They also highlighted how they had enjoyed a range of opportunities to work on policy briefs and the collation of statistical data, which they had been able to present to policymakers.

New and ongoing projects were highlighted, including the new Racial Justice Clinic led by Cameron-Wong-McDermott that will welcome student for the first time in the new academic year and associated research mapping the legal rights of Scottish Gypsy Travellers.

As the new academic year begins it is great that Go Justice has been recognised in this way. Mr Rhodes is keen to stay in touch with the Centre as it continues to develop, testament to what has already been achieved and to our future ambitions.

The two Early Day Motions submitted by Mr Rhodes can be accessed at these links:

Emma Ritch Law Clinic - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament

Glasgow Open Justice Centre - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament