MPs given case for free legal advice

MPs in the House of Commons heard a number of people speak out in favour of free legal help last week.

A Guardian writer, Jon Robins, pointed out that it can be hard to defend the case for free legal services, which often sounds like a charitable appeal.

However, the newspaper pointed out that the Commission of Inquiry this week heard from a selection of ordinary people and organisations, with a number of "powerful, sometimes uncomfortable reminders" as to why free legal advice matters.

The MPs listened to individuals and groups such as Bail for Immigration Detainees, the Child Poverty Action Group and Liberty speak in Commons committee room ten.

Meanwhile, the new Legal Services Act will likely result in more high street retailers offering legal services, Propertyweek.com reported. The news source said that non-lawyers will be able to invest in and own legal practices due to an alternative business structure rule contained in the legislation.

Published by Tessa Jones