Legal Aid: Post-Implementation Review Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Ministry of Justice

Legal Aid: Post-Implementation Review

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts
Thursday 7th February 2019

(5 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

We have had a welcome from Young Legal Aid Lawyers, which said it would look positively at what has been set out and look to engage with it. I share the hon. Lady’s desire to ensure that we have diverse legal professions in this country.

Ian C. Lucas Portrait Ian C. Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

There is a paucity of legal advice in family law, which is complex, difficult and emotional. Is there any comfort in the Lord Chancellor’s proposals that will address the difficulties caused by the blanket removal of such advice?

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Let me highlight a couple of points in the review. I have already mentioned the proposals on unaccompanied minors in immigration cases. It is also worth pointing out that with special guardianship orders, we are extending the scope of legal aid. Those are all steps that go some way towards addressing the hon. Gentleman’s concerns.