Joanna Lumley joins free legal advice campaign

Joanna Lumley has become the latest person to speak out against proposed government cuts to legal help services.

Ms Lumley, who previously successfully campaigned on behalf of the Ghurkhas, has pledged her support to the Sound Off For Justice initiative.

Commenting on the possibility that access to free legal services could be cut, the actress said she believes "everyone has a right to be heard".

"I support Sound Off For Justice as I believe justice is only just if it is available to everyone. Without legal aid, cases like the Gurkha Justice Campaign, which I was privileged enough to be involved with, could never have been fought, let alone won," Ms Lumley was quoted by the Daily Telegraph as saying.

The Law Society has also spoken out against the plans, claiming it is possible they could cause "lasting damage to justice", while the Bar Council warned more people could choose to represent themselves leading to longer trials.

Lawyer Helen Grant previously told the Guardian free legal advice is a "defining feature of our democracy". 

Published by Tessa Jones