Ministers shouldn't get "benefit of the doubt" over free legal help

One commentator has spoken out to say that when it comes to government cuts to free legal advice, ministers must not be given the "benefit of the doubt".

Jon Robins wrote for the Guardian that campaigners are correct to fight against the proposals outlined in the legal aid green paper.

He said: "... One hopes it is a genuine consultation and they give the responses the attention they deserve."

However, he added that those who are feeling cynical could well believe that free legal help has been defined as a luxury by ministers and one that they "aren't prepared to afford".

In addition, the importance of hiring legal solicitors was highlighted by a recent legal case which was lost after a woman represented herself in court. Barbara Allatt, a former trainee nurse, did not use a legal expert at a hearing dealing with her claims of unfair dismissal and discrimination over her beliefs and it was not taken to a tribunal hearing.

Published by Tessa Jones