LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: The Right Honourable Jack Straw MP, Lord Chancellor and secetary of State for Justice, (R) leaves Westminster Abbey after the annual service of thanksgiving on October 1, 2009 in London, England. The ceremony marks the start of the legal year with a traditional religious service, arriving from the Royal Courts of Justice for a service which is followed by a procession to The Houses of Parliament and then a reception held by the Lord Chancellor. The ceremony in Westminster Abbey has roots in the religious practice of the judges praying for guidance at the start of the legal year. The custom dates back to the Middle Ages when the High Court was held in Westminster Hall.