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• Claudia Gough commented  ·  June 27, 2011 2:56 p.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  I oppose the cuts in Legal Aid and urge the government to reconsider their strategy in diminishing the national debt.

• Annie Wright commented  ·  June 26, 2011 1:57 p.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  The law is meaningless if those who need its protection are unable to access it. This is a cynical attack on the most vulnerable in society and, as Shami Chakrabati has pointed out, will enable the rich and powerful to act with impunity. Society as a whole suffers when the rule of law is weakened.

• Chris Peak commented  ·  June 26, 2011 12:24 p.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  As a legal aid lawyer for 38 years I predict there will be no legal aid in 5 years time if this Bill goes through

• Alan Leader commented  ·  June 24, 2011 11:43 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  What are we going to do about this Who going to stand up for social justice
  We need to start action now or it be too late

• Marian Hurle commented  ·  June 24, 2011 10:07 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  The second reading of this Bill is on 29th June so there isn't much time. 10% cuts to Legal Aid are scheduled for October this year. This gives charities that provide Legal Aid services to vulnerable people no time to find other ways of funding them.
  Then next year debt, housing, benefits and housing will go out of scope having a massive impact on the services that charities such as CAB and Law Centres can provide. This isn't about fat cat solicitors, but about the poorest people in society who have no voice being walked all over. Please contact your MP and voice your outrage that this is quietly being allowed to happen.

• Jay Sharma commented  ·  June 24, 2011 9:00 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  During the debate on 21 June, Ken Clarke said that it costs each taxpayer £38 to maintain the Legal Aid system. How does that compare with the bank bailout, or cost over-runs in defence, IT, and many other government contracts? If you subscribe to "Which? Legal" it will cost you about £68. People who don't get advice and representation are likely to turn to social services and benefits. The misery caused to victims of clinical negligence, to families during divorce, benefits claimants, will be enormous. Oh, and don't get arrested, because your right to a solicitor at the police station will go, if this bill gets through. Use your vote now! The government wants to rush this bill though asap - 29 June is the next reading!

• Mal Ferguson commented  ·  June 21, 2011 1:57 p.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  This is a deliberate, targeted attack on access to justice. This has nothing to do with deficit reduction and everything to do with neo-Conservatives screwing the poor.

• Anonymous commented  ·  June 13, 2011 4:38 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  I think cutting the legal aid to migrants and Refugees is an injustice to humanity

• Judith commented  ·  June 12, 2011 3:52 p.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  Further to Busy Bee's post, everyone needs to know that the Justice Bill is likely to have its first reading in Parliament this week. Now is the time to contact your MP and voice your opposition to the cuts in Legal Aid. 38 Degrees has a nifty tool for finding phone numbers and email addresses of MP's at http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/callyourmp-nhs/.

• BUSY BEE commented  ·  June 12, 2011 2:07 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  I hope you have all suggested or voted on this issue on the 'what should we do next page'. One person who raised this issue on the 'what should we do next page' suggested this issue, but only got 5 votes. Many of you haven't voted on this page. Furthermore, I hope you are all going to get active on whatever issue wins through this democratic voting system.

• Gilian Pratt commented  ·  June 9, 2011 8:18 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  Oh, for gooness; sake what are you trying to do to the JUSTICE system. Do try to remember that justice is for everyone, rich and poor alike.

• Martine Nichols commented  ·  June 8, 2011 12:11 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  JUSTICE FOR ALL IN OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE AMEND AND FOLLOW PRINCIPLES PROPOSED BY "SOUND OFF FOR JUSTICE" WHICH WILL SAVE £384 MILLION WITHOUT REMOVING SUPPORT

• Martine Nichols commented  ·  June 8, 2011 12:10 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  JUSTICE FOR ALL IN OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE AMEND AND FOLLOW PRINCIPLES PROPOSED BY "SOUND OFF FOR JUSTICE" WHICH WILL SAVE £384 MILLION WITHOUT REMOVING SUPPORT

• Martine Nichols commented  ·  June 8, 2011 12:10 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  JUSTICE FOR ALL IN OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE AMEND AND FOLLOW PRINCIPLES PROPOSED BY "SOUND OFF FOR JUSTICE" WHICH WILL SAVE £384 MILLION WITHOUT REMOVING SUPPORT

• Martine Nichols commented  ·  June 8, 2011 12:09 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  JUSTICE FOR ALL IN OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE AMEND AND FOLLOW PRINCIPLES PROPOSED BY "SOUND OFF FOR JUSTICE" WHICH WILL SAVE £384 MILLION WITHOUT REMOVING SUPPORT

• Marilyn Moylan commented  ·  June 7, 2011 11:14 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  Take legal aid away and the most vulnerable in society suffer. With the cuts we are facing today and the changes to benefits and entitlement, legal aid is more necessary than ever. Justice for all!

• Marilyn Moylan commented  ·  June 7, 2011 11:14 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  Take legal aid away and the most vulnerable in society suffer. With the cuts we are facing today and the changes to benefits and entitlement, legal aid is more necessary than ever. Justice for all!

• BUSY BEE commented  ·  June 7, 2011 2:44 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  I am concerned that so long as campaigns to save free legal aid is run by lawyers, their main concern will be to save their jobs. This campaign has to be run by the people and supported by lawyers. The people have no ulterior motive other than protecting their Human Rights.

• nuxguy commented  ·  June 7, 2011 2:42 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  this is a huge issue, cutting legal aid, even by a tiny amount, will do untold harm to potentially everyone in the country - except very well off !
  please help to reverse these really stupid plans.

• Dylan Jessop commented  ·  June 6, 2011 6:41 a.m.  ·  Flag as inappropriateFlag as inappropriate  ·  Delete

  Please take up this important issue, I have been saved from eviction on many occasions with the help of legal aid solicitors.