He remained briefless until World War II, which he spent in the Royal Air Force as a staff officer in England, North Africa, and then continental Europe.

Although widely regarded as a liberal, he upheld the blasphemy conviction of Gay News (1979), punctured the GLC's Fares Fair low-cost public transport policy (1981) and supported the banning of trade unions at GCHQ (1985).

He also chaired the Red Lion Square disorders (1975) and the Grunwick dispute (1977) inquiries.

[5] After entering the House of Lords the more liberal aspects of his character dominated: he was chancellor of the University of Warwick and president of the British Institute of Human Rights, and worked on behalf of the Prince's Trust, the Birmingham Six and Charter 88.

[6] In 1991 he set up the Scarman Trust aimed at helping young people from deprived communities.