LEGAL AID: CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE

Early day motion 1885, tabled 8 June 2011 by Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 16 members.

<p>That this House notes with great concern the Secretary of State for Justice's statement that, as part of the Government's proposed cuts to access to legal aid, `No win, no fee is a perfectly suitable way of proceeding in clinical negligence cases', Official Report, 15 November 2010,column 667; recognises that these will include a wide range of extremely serious cases some of which will involve children who have suffered brain damage as a result of clinical negligence; believes the negative impact this will have on vulnerable families and individuals will make them less inclined to seek legal redress; further recognises that access to justice irrespective of financial circumstance is a vital component of any democratic system; and therefore calls on the Government to rethink these reforms and consult on a fairer option which will allow all citizens full access to justice and legal representation in such difficult situations.</p>

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Liberal Democrat 3, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.