*/
MANIFESTO FOR JUSTICE PUBLISHED
Issued on behalf of: AdviceUK, The General Council of the Bar, ILEX, JUSTICE, Law Centres Federation, Legal Action Group, Legal Aid Practitioners Group, Liberty
A broad and influential coalition of eight leading legal and campaigning organisations has called on politicians to put justice centre stage in the forthcoming General Election campaign.
Publishing aManifesto for Justice, the groups – which represent consumers, lawyers and justice campaigns - have called for three principles of justice to be upheld by all those involved in the political debate.
They are:
The initiative was launched in Parliament at a cross-party event supported by the Conservative Shadow Justice Minister, Henry Bellingham MP, Lord Brennan QC, the Labour Chairman of the All Party Group for Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and Lord Thomas of Gresford QC, the Liberal Democrat Frontbench Justice Spokesperson.
The Manifesto is being published when the justice system is under intense pressure from the squeeze on government spending, public
concern over crime and problems in access to civil and family justice. With a General Election only months away, the coalition has set out its concerns about the future of the justice system, and calls for a range of measures designed to strengthen justice and the rule of law, including:
The coalition is made up of AdviceUK, the Bar Council, the Institute of Legal Executives, JUSTICE, the Law Centres Federation, the Legal Action Group, the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group and Liberty.
Commenting on the publication of the Manifesto for Justice, Roger Smith, Director of JUSTICE, said:
“A robust justice system is an essential part of a good society. While we have much to be thankful for in this country – jury trial, the presumption of innocence and an independent judiciary - we must not be complacent. The Manifesto puts in writing what many feel needs to be preserved and enhanced within our judicial and legal system. It also makes practical proposals for reform, which we commend to those of all parties.”
Carol Storer, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group, said:
“The LAPG is delighted to be part of the Manifesto for Justice. The justice system is a vital part of today’s society, and we should not forget that it is designed to protect the weak and vulnerable when they need it most. Continued and ill-thought-through cuts to the legal aid budget will affect those least able to cope, and will only exacerbate the difficulty of obtaining face to face advice in those parts of the country which already have limited provision. Every member of society has the right to timely legal advice and representation, and we call on politicians of all backgrounds to support the aims and concerns set out in the Manifesto.”
Nicholas Green QC, Chairman for 2010, said:
“The Manifesto is testament to the depth of feeling and commitment displayed by consumers, campaigners and all those working within the legal system. Publicly funded lawyers work incredibly long hours, often for modest remuneration, doing all they can to represent their clients, often in the face of huge systemic difficulties. The Manifesto for Justice considers the problems which the justice system must address if it is properly to meet the needs of society and protect the most vulnerable; a document which combines the experience and insight of eight such organisations deserves attention from politicians on all sides.”
They are:
The initiative was launched in Parliament at a cross-party event supported by the Conservative Shadow Justice Minister, Henry Bellingham MP, Lord Brennan QC, the Labour Chairman of the All Party Group for Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and Lord Thomas of Gresford QC, the Liberal Democrat Frontbench Justice Spokesperson.
The Manifesto is being published when the justice system is under intense pressure from the squeeze on government spending, public
concern over crime and problems in access to civil and family justice. With a General Election only months away, the coalition has set out its concerns about the future of the justice system, and calls for a range of measures designed to strengthen justice and the rule of law, including:
The coalition is made up of AdviceUK, the Bar Council, the Institute of Legal Executives, JUSTICE, the Law Centres Federation, the Legal Action Group, the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group and Liberty.
Commenting on the publication of the Manifesto for Justice, Roger Smith, Director of JUSTICE, said:
“A robust justice system is an essential part of a good society. While we have much to be thankful for in this country – jury trial, the presumption of innocence and an independent judiciary - we must not be complacent. The Manifesto puts in writing what many feel needs to be preserved and enhanced within our judicial and legal system. It also makes practical proposals for reform, which we commend to those of all parties.”
Carol Storer, Director of the Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group, said:
“The LAPG is delighted to be part of the Manifesto for Justice. The justice system is a vital part of today’s society, and we should not forget that it is designed to protect the weak and vulnerable when they need it most. Continued and ill-thought-through cuts to the legal aid budget will affect those least able to cope, and will only exacerbate the difficulty of obtaining face to face advice in those parts of the country which already have limited provision. Every member of society has the right to timely legal advice and representation, and we call on politicians of all backgrounds to support the aims and concerns set out in the Manifesto.”
Nicholas Green QC, Chairman for 2010, said:
“The Manifesto is testament to the depth of feeling and commitment displayed by consumers, campaigners and all those working within the legal system. Publicly funded lawyers work incredibly long hours, often for modest remuneration, doing all they can to represent their clients, often in the face of huge systemic difficulties. The Manifesto for Justice considers the problems which the justice system must address if it is properly to meet the needs of society and protect the most vulnerable; a document which combines the experience and insight of eight such organisations deserves attention from politicians on all sides.”
MANIFESTO FOR JUSTICE PUBLISHED
Issued on behalf of: AdviceUK, The General Council of the Bar, ILEX, JUSTICE, Law Centres Federation, Legal Action Group, Legal Aid Practitioners Group, Liberty
A broad and influential coalition of eight leading legal and campaigning organisations has called on politicians to put justice centre stage in the forthcoming General Election campaign.
Publishing aManifesto for Justice, the groups – which represent consumers, lawyers and justice campaigns - have called for three principles of justice to be upheld by all those involved in the political debate.
Philip N Bristow explains how to unlock your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step
With the property market witnessing significant changes since the beginning of the pandemic, Fleet Street Wealth’s Managing Director Julian Morgan considers the future of the home, the second home and the office
In partnership with the Bar Council, LexisNexis is offering up to 60% off its extensive webinar offering.
Chambers is expanding its team.
Making a move from the Bar to a career in governance: Maria Brookes outlines three good reasons to switch and how to do it
Making sure international justice works effectively and realising what matters Karim Khan QC, the new Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, talks to Monica Feria-Tinta
Exclusive statistical analysis: Barbara Mills QC outlines how the deeply unhelpful, homogenous BAME acronym is masking the true extent and systemic nature of the Bars diversity problem
A toolkit to help you build profile, expertise and a bright future in arbitration. By James Bridgeman
Jonathan Seitler QC and Miriam Seitler discuss Carpool Case Law, the Bar today and the business development side of the job
