The Lord Chancellor should recognise that legal aid is a basic right, not a luxury, says David Greene
New government. New Lord Chancellor. New Agenda for legislation. Brexit negotiations start. But the real human news is the tragedies in London and Manchester over the past few weeks. The victims will soon enough become embroiled in the civil and criminal justice process in seeking answers and asserting rights. As well as ensuring they can do so we also want to ensure that the justice process can provide answers and lessons.
We are reminded of Hillsborough because we look back at other disasters, particularly this week with confirmation that the Crown Prosecution Service will press criminal charges. The history of Hillsborough, however, does not make for good reading when it comes to the ability of the civil and criminal process to deliver justice. Only with sheer doggedness on the part of the victims and their solicitors did they overcome the best efforts of the establishment.
Let’s hope those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire do not have to battle for
