Free legal help struggle continues

Free legal help continues to be a divisive social and political issue, with a new campaign being launched in the House of Commons today (January 12th) reigniting debate.

Legal services such as support for personal injury cases were cut several years ago, but recent budgetary reductions have seen assistance for people like immigrants and those needing help with family law fall - and in some cases disappear.

Known as Justice for All, a coalition of organisations including the union Unite and the Citizens Advice Bureau are calling for free legal help to be available for everyone, saying experts should be on hand when and where they are needed and the system must be backed by adequate government spending.

Rachael Maskell, Unite national officer for the not for profit sector, described the cuts as "savage" and claimed 100,000 of the UK's "most vulnerable citizens" will be affected, indicating legal services will be significantly changed if current plans go ahead.

Published by Phil Hammond