Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Huddleston Excerpts

Thursday 16th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[The Solicitor General]

The offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink and drugs are in the regime, and since the beginning of 2015 eight cases of that nature have been referred to the Court of Appeal, five sentences have been increased and one is currently pending, even today.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

5. What steps he has taken to encourage pro bono work in the last 12 months.

[The Solicitor General (Robert Buckland)]

As pro bono champions in the Government, the Attorney General and I chair the pro bono panel and committee to bring together the most important players to steer and co-ordinate the overall work. As Members will be aware, last week was the 16th national pro bono week, and the Attorney General and I attended and supported events up and down the country to encourage and support the excellent work being done.

[Nigel Huddleston]

I am sure that, like me, many colleagues receive requests from constituents who are not wealthy and come to our offices with complex legal issues, although our offices are not capable of dealing with them. How can we ensure that people in desperate need get help, either through legal aid or a much enhanced pro bono scheme?