*/
SPEAKING at two fringe meetings at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, the Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council, Peter Lodder QC, stressed the importance of the legal profession working with Government to maintain access to justice, despite forthcoming budget cuts.
He also called on the Government to ensure that any reforms to the legal aid system maintain high quality representation for all those eligible to receive it, particularly the most vulnerable members of society. Peter Lodder QC addressed delegates at a fringe meeting, co-hosted with the Society of Conservative Lawyers, on Access to Justice in an Age of Austerity. He also spoke at a separate
meeting, hosted by Policy Exchange, on the reform of the Legal Aid system. Jonathan Djanogly MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, joined the speaking panel at both meetings.
Peter Lodder QC, Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council, said:
“It is abundantly clear that tough times lie ahead for the justice system, as the Ministry of Justice looks for £2bn of savings. The Bar and the wider legal profession will work with the Government, both to identify savings, be that by the simplification of laws, or taking a more rational approach to drug law or sentencing. But we must also educate Government on the potential unintended consequences that particular cuts may have. For example, a reduction in the quality of representation in criminal cases can increase the costs of cases, prolong trials and lead to more appeals as well as increase the risk of miscarriages of justice.”
On reform of legal aid, he said:
“The legal aid system, which last year marked its 60th anniversary as a front line service, is under considerable scrutiny and like other public services faces huge financial pressure. However, it remains a vital safety net both for society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable as well as for hardworking members of society who deserve professional assistance in a time of great need. The Bar has embarked on
a change programme to adapt its working practices and business models to prepare for the expected changes which are likely to result from the Comprehensive Spending Review.
In return the Bar is looking to the Government to ensure that all service providers can offer their services to the public on a level playing field. The fundamental principles which underpin the system must be safeguarded for the future and not sacrificed on the altar of short-term savings.”
He also called on the Government to ensure that any reforms to the legal aid system maintain high quality representation for all those eligible to receive it, particularly the most vulnerable members of society. Peter Lodder QC addressed delegates at a fringe meeting, co-hosted with the Society of Conservative Lawyers, on Access to Justice in an Age of Austerity. He also spoke at a separate
meeting, hosted by Policy Exchange, on the reform of the Legal Aid system. Jonathan Djanogly MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, joined the speaking panel at both meetings.
Peter Lodder QC, Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council, said:
“It is abundantly clear that tough times lie ahead for the justice system, as the Ministry of Justice looks for £2bn of savings. The Bar and the wider legal profession will work with the Government, both to identify savings, be that by the simplification of laws, or taking a more rational approach to drug law or sentencing. But we must also educate Government on the potential unintended consequences that particular cuts may have. For example, a reduction in the quality of representation in criminal cases can increase the costs of cases, prolong trials and lead to more appeals as well as increase the risk of miscarriages of justice.”
On reform of legal aid, he said:
“The legal aid system, which last year marked its 60th anniversary as a front line service, is under considerable scrutiny and like other public services faces huge financial pressure. However, it remains a vital safety net both for society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable as well as for hardworking members of society who deserve professional assistance in a time of great need. The Bar has embarked on
a change programme to adapt its working practices and business models to prepare for the expected changes which are likely to result from the Comprehensive Spending Review.
In return the Bar is looking to the Government to ensure that all service providers can offer their services to the public on a level playing field. The fundamental principles which underpin the system must be safeguarded for the future and not sacrificed on the altar of short-term savings.”
SPEAKING at two fringe meetings at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, the Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council, Peter Lodder QC, stressed the importance of the legal profession working with Government to maintain access to justice, despite forthcoming budget cuts.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, examines the forensic science underpinning hair drug testing, its evidential scope and limitations, and why it remains the gold standard for evidencing patterns of drug use in family proceedings
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
In an era of patient-centred care and growing concern over misconduct in medical settings, why do women still lack the right to choose women consultants for examination and treatment? Charles Davey investigates
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
