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Cuts that hurt

20 October 2016 / Dr Jon Robins
Issue: 7719 / Categories: Opinion , Legal aid focus , Legal services
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Amnesty International’s report shines an unforgiving light on the impact of LASPO, says Jon Robins​

“If Theresa May is really determined to deliver a country that works for all then there needs to be a justice system for everyone, not just those who can afford it,” said Alice Wyss of Amnesty International this week. According to the organisation, the April 2013 legal aid cuts have “decimated access to justice” and were, in human rights terms, “a retrogressive measure”.

Wyss was calling directly on the PM to immediately review the legal aid cuts. She was also quoting from Theresa May’s conference speech where she easily won over the party faithful with an attack on “activist left-wing human rights lawyers” and outlined plans to curb the “industry of vexatious allegations” against our troops by opting out of the European convention.

The powerful report from an international group more associated with highlighting abuses in far-flung corners of the world less familiar with the rule of law than the UK is well-timed—if unlikely to improve relations

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Druces LLP—Afsor Ullah

Druces LLP—Afsor Ullah

Partner appointed head of Islamic finance

Birketts—Rachel Frost-Smith

Birketts—Rachel Frost-Smith

Legal director named as new head of children

Kingsley Napley—Tristan Cox-Chung

Kingsley Napley—Tristan Cox-Chung

Firm bolsters restructuring and insolvency team with partner hire

NEWS
Barristers have been warned to be on guard against anthropomorphism, hallucinations, information disorder, bias in data training, mistakes, data protection blunders and confidential data leaks when using generative artificial intelligence (AI)
Legal aid lawyers have welcomed increased fees for criminal, housing and immigration work
Public willingness to take part in class actions is rising, according to annual research by communications consultancy Portland
The Bar Council and Bar Standards Board have set up a joint steering group to oversee the implementation of Harriet Harman’s recommendations to tackle bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar, published in September
The Legal Services Board (LSB) is consulting on proposals to replace its 2017 guidance on equality and diversity with an outcomes-based ‘framework’ for regulators
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