On April 1 this year savage cuts to legal aid came into force. Sadly it wasn’t an April Fools’ joke and in one fell swoop the Government placed access to justice firmly beyond the reach of many of those who need it most. Universal access to justice is a basic right that should be open to all, regardless of income. Yet legal aid funding for entire areas of advice and representation including immigration, debt, welfare, education and employment law has been scrapped.
Fortunately, organisations like the London Legal Support Trust are doing their best to ensure that access to justice is available to all. Amongst a busy schedule of fundraising events, the LLST organises the annual London Legal Walk. It is a sponsored 10km walk around legal landmarks of London, and the largest single gathering of lawyers and judiciary in the country.
Liberty is delighted to be entering a team again this year and we hope you can join us. Half of the money we raise will go to Liberty and half to the London Legal Support Trust. As well as raising vital money for hard pressed legal advice services, it’s a great opportunity to meet other Liberty members and supporters.
If you’re interested in taking part, send an e-mail to membership@liberty-human-rights.org.uk or call us on 020 7378 3663. If taking part is not for you, you can also donate to our team by visiting: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Liberty2013
There has never been a more urgent need to protect legal advice and access to justice. We hope you can join us in May.
