A “Lady Godiva” led legal aid protesters through the streets of Coventry last week during a day of protests against legal aid cuts.
In London, more than 200 protesters, including the “Sound Off for Justice” gospel choir and members of the Women’s Institute, gathered outside the Supreme Court. A seafront march took place in Hastings, and silent “gagged” marches were held in Birmingham and Gloucester. There were petition signings across the country, including in Sheffield, Tunbridge Wells, and Newcastle. Spokesperson Jane Backhurst says: “People are starting to realise that justice is for everybody. I think this will help remind the government that we are an ever-growing coalition.”
The protesters, organised by the campaign group Justice for All, oppose government plans to cut £350m from the legal aid budget. These were outlined in November 2010, in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) consultation paper, Reforms to the Legal Aid system in England and Wales. Help will still be available for assistance at inquests, and in cases where there is a risk of homelessness, domestic violence, forced marriage, or where children might be taken into care.
The MoJ says it will announce the results of its consultation shortly.
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