Liberty - Protecting civil liberties, promoting human rights

Justice Within Reach

Access to justice and the right to a fair hearing are fundamental to the rule of law and to democracy itself. Yet new legislation recently published by the Government will put publicly funded legal advice and representation beyond the reach of vast swathes of the British population.


Post-war governments in Britain believed that universal access to justice was as important as access to education and healthcare. Today, the Coalition Government proposes to ensure that court doors in England and Wales are effectively locked to anyone other than criminal defendants and the super-rich.


In particular there is to be no legal aid for partners embroiled in bitter child custody disputes, disabled people attempting to grapple with changes to the welfare benefits system and families struggling with debt in the deepest economic recession since the 1930s. Thousands of people will have to resort to do-it-yourself justice to pursue their legitimate legal rights.


  • The Coalition Government want to cut about £350m from the £2.1bn legal aid budget. The suggested cuts are a false economy. 
  • Large numbers of cases (like divorces and family cases which do not involve domestic violence or forced marriage) are being taken out of the scope of legal aid. Ministers say they want to people to take up "no win, no fee" agreements and to settle disputes through mediation instead, but these so-called alternatives will not be a practical option for many people.
  • It is estimated that over 2 million people each year receive legal aid of some sort. 63% (in the welfare benefits system) are people with disabilities.


Access to justice should be equal, open and fair. Help us to keep justice within reach for all. We have also joined the Justice for All coalition to fight the planned cuts to legal aid.


Take action now

1Email your MP
2Email your friends

Help us build support for equal, open and fair access to justice for all. Spread the word that proposed legal aid cuts are a threat to our fundamental right to a fair hearing.