REFORM OF CIVIL LEGAL AID

Early day motion 324, tabled 1 July 2013 by Baroness Teather (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 70 members.

That this House believes access to justice is a hallmark of a civilised society; further believes that the Government's proposed reforms to civil legal aid will severely limit the ability for many to access the justice system; is deeply concerned by plans to introduce a residence test for civil legal aid, which will remove legal support for many vulnerable groups including victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; notes that the residence test will also prevent many cases being brought against the Government when it is accused of wrongdoing abroad; further notes that the majority of individuals held in immigration detention will be left without support to challenge their continued detention; regrets the effect the proposed reforms to judicial review will have on the ability of individuals to hold public bodies to account; further believes that the proposals relating to prison law will effectively mean that justice stops at the prison gate; and calls on the Government to abandon its proposed reforms of civil legal aid immediately.

Signatures by party: Labour 54, Liberal Democrat 6, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alliance 1, DUP 1, Green 1.