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26 March 2014 / John Ford
Categories: Opinion , Legal aid focus
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A rank denial of justice

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Grayling is destroying the rule of law with judicial review legal aid cuts, says John Ford

When the history of the 21st century is written, it may be seen that the banking crisis of 2008 provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the coalition to introduce major reforms which will have the effect of permanently undermining the rule of law in this country. It is a tragedy that the focus of opposition has concentrated on the effect on individual groups and their remuneration, thus allowing the serious concerns for the future of democracy and the rule of law in the UK to escape attention.

When Chris Grayling was appointed Lord Chancellor and Minister of Justice in September 2012, there was a great deal of good humoured criticism—mainly from lawyers—about his suitability for the post as a non-lawyer. But as evidence has subsequently shown, he is a very determined and resourceful politician who seems likely to get his way.

Incorrect & misleading figures

The attack on legal aid masquerades as an attempt to save money. Officials at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have repeatedly put out

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