Here is the latest nomination in our series highlighting people David Cameron should consider appointing to the House of Lords.
If you would like to nominate someone, please email Jonathan Isaby with your suggestion, ideally including key arguments for
the nomination as well as biographical information. The sources of nominations will be treated confidentially where
requested.
No. 18: Sir Desmond de Silva QC
Conor Burns writes:
"As a chamber of Parliament suited to allowing people from outside politics to make a contribution, I can think of few individuals more qualified to serve as a Member of the House of Lords.
"Sir Desmond de Silva QC was knighted in 2007 for services to international law, having been the first person from the UK to have been appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations to head up an international criminal tribunal. In this role he carried the rank of Under Secretary General of the UN.
"Originally from Sri Lanka, Sir Desmond was the first Asian Queen's Counsel in England and has been head of his Chambers for 23 years.
"Despite his vast experience beyond politics, Sir Desmond held elected office from 1980 to 1995 serving on the Corporation of London and has been involved in the party in the past through the Centre for Policy Studies and the Bow Group.
"A loyal Conservative who has excelled in his profession, Sir Desmond would be a distinguished contributor to the debates in the Lords, not least on international law, post-conflict resolution and on David Cameron's pledge to introduce a Bill of Rights."
> Yesterday's nomination: Tony Caplin
