Election pivotal moment for British justice warns Law Society

Solicitors’ leaders have thrown the gauntlet down to political parties, challenging them to put the rule of law and access to justice at the heart of their plans for government.

“This election is a pivotal moment for the country and not just because of Brexit,” said Law Society of England and Wales president Simon Davis, as he launched the organisation’s manifesto.

“Successive governments have stripped back provision of legal aid and left our justice system in a dangerously under-funded state.

“Our legal system has long been seen as the global benchmark, and our members fight the corner of some of the most vulnerable in society, including those struggling with mental health issues or personal hardship.

“But there is a crisis, and there are things that urgently need fixing in our justice system. The party that wins this election needs to focus on this, or we will lose something fundamental.”

The Law Society is calling on the parties to implement a series of measures if they win power:

Simon Davis said: “UK legal services contributed more than £27.9 billion to the economy in 2018. We contribute £4 billion to net exports. We directly employ more than 380,000 people and support many thousands more jobs in our local communities. We underpin business deals around the globe.

“After the UK leaves the European Union, the law of England and Wales will retain many of the advantages that make it attractive to international businesses, including its predictability, transparency and stability.

“However, preserving the legal sector’s strong economic contribution to UK plc will require close co-operation with the EU and the continued ability of UK lawyers to practice, establish and provide temporary services on the continent.”