ACCESS TO LEGAL AID

Early day motion 679, tabled 12 January 2015 by Ian Lavery (Labour). Signed by 42 members.

That this House welcomes the legal challenge by Rights of Women on the lawfulness of the Government's changes to access to legal aid which prevents victims of domestic abuse from accessing legal aid for family cases, even where there has been violence or ongoing risk of violence; notes that legal aid is a lifeline for victims of domestic abuse; further notes that legal aid enables victims to escape abusive relationships, protect their children and manage their financial situations; further notes that two women are killed each week as a result of domestic abuse; and calls on the Government to enable victims of domestic abuse to access legal remedies so they can safely leave violent relationships.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 6, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Green 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.