06.01.14
Lawyers lead protests at legal aid cuts
Barristers and solicitors are to stage a half-day protest at government plans to cut legal aid fees by up to 30%.
The move could save £220m a year, the MoJ has stated. But it could lead to lower quality legal representation, lawyers have warned.
The action today is coordinated with the Justice Alliance, and supported by unions and charities alike. Cases involving vulnerable individuals, such as victims of rape, will not be disrupted.
Nigel Lithman QC, the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) chairman, said: “It will lead to a collapse in standards of representation, more miscarriages of justice and more of the guilty going free.”
But an MoJ spokesperson said: “At around £2bn a year we have one of the most expensive legal aid systems in the world, and it would remain very generous even after reform.
“We entirely agree lawyers should be paid fairly for their work, and believe our proposals do just that. We also agree legal aid is a vital part of our justice system – that's why we have to find efficiencies to ensure it remains sustainable and available to those most in need of a lawyer.
“Agencies involved in the criminal justice system will take steps to minimise any upset court disruption could cause for victims and witnesses involved in trials.”
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