Everyone at Searchlight was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sir Geoffrey Bindman, who passed away on 4 November.
Geoffrey was a towering figure in British legal and human rights circles. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he championed civil liberties, racial equality, and justice for the marginalised, leaving an indelible mark on UK law and public life.
He was also, from its very earliest days, a great friend and supporter of Searchlight.
Legal attacks
He was at our side during numerous legal run ins with individuals on the far right who sought to use legal attacks to try to bring down the magazine. On many occasions, when our regular barrister was not available to read the magazine for libel, Geoffrey would write off a day of his weekend and do the job himself. He was always there for us.
Born in 1933, Geoffrey began his legal career with a deep commitment to social justice. He served as legal adviser to the Race Relations Board (1966–1976) and the Commission for Racial Equality (1976–1983), helping to shape the legal framework for combating discrimination in Britain.
Challenging abuse of power
In 1974, he co-founded Bindmans LLP, a firm renowned for defending civil liberties and representing individuals and organisations challenging abuses of power.
His influence extended internationally, notably through his work with the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, where he served on the advisory board.
He was knighted in 2007 for services to human rights and appointed honorary King’s Counsel in 2011.
Lover of poetry
Away from the courtroom, Geoffrey was a devoted reader and writer of poetry. He often cited verse as a source of solace and clarity, believing that poetry, like law, could illuminate truth and deepen empathy.
In later life, he donated a significant portion of his personal poetry collection to the Poetry Library at London’s Southbank Centre, ensuring that future generations could share in the works that had inspired him.
His colleagues described him as “a magnificent lawyer and a profoundly honourable man… a significant force for good”. We could not agree more.
Backing Searchlight
Backing a Searchlight funding appeal a few years ago he wrote: “Searchlight has for almost 50 years exposed the sinister and subversive activities of right-wing extremists by careful research and vigorous campaigning journalism.
“It deserves the support of all decent people in its courageous defence of civilised values in our dangerous world”.
And he certainly gave us his unflinching support. He will be sorely missed.
