Following the reinstatement of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Lords and MPs from all political parties met to discuss the justice pledges in the Labour Party’s manifesto and their potential impact. The Bar Council’s public affairs assistant, Paramita Bhattacherjee, reports on the discussions.
The new APPG co-chairs Catherine Atkinson MP and Rt Hon the Lord Hunt of Wirral, invited Sam Townend KC, Chair of the Bar Council, and Mark Evans, Vice President of the Law Society, to lead members in a debate on the adequacy of Labour’s plans for addressing crucial issues in the justice system – from budget cuts to judicial efficiency, legal aid, and access to justice for marginalised groups – and highlighted some of the specific challenges that could obstruct Labour’s ambitious legal reform agenda.
This blog examines five key points, questioning whether the new government’s manifesto pledges go far enough to instigate meaningful reform.
1. Access to justice: a pillar at risk?
Sam Townend KC highlighted that access to justice remains a bedrock of public service, vital not only for fair legal treatment but also for maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
He stressed the ripple effect of an underfunded justice sector, noting that without proper investment in legal aid and early intervention, case backlogs and legal barriers will continue to grow. One in 20 Crown Court cases is abandoned due to a shortage of barristers, illustrating how systemic issues are affecting people’s access to justice. Sam argued that comprehensive investment in legal aid and early advice is essential to stabilise and sustain the justice system.
He also praised new regional initiatives, such as the Leicester law centre spearheaded by Lord Bach, as promising steps towards greater accessibility. He underscored the importance of expanded legal aid for vulnerable groups, including victims of violence.
Still, for these improvements to bring lasting impact, a robust and sustainable framework for regional access will be necessary to ensure that advancements in legal aid reach those who need it most, nationwide.
2. Budget cuts and the ‘unprotected’ justice system
Mark Evans highlighted the harsh reality of budgetary constraints facing the Ministry of Justice, pointing out that funding cuts have led to a 22.4% decrease in spending power since 2009.*
This financial strain has forced difficult choices, with critical services feeling the impact of limited resources. He said that with further cuts on the horizon, addressing the justice system's long-standing budgetary issues will require a comprehensive, well-funded approach. He advocated for increased and stable financial support to revitalise the system and argued that investment in justice brings economic returns by saving costs across other public sectors.
Mark underlined the potential benefits of viewing justice spending as ‘spending to grow’, highlighting that investment in the justice sector contributes to broader societal and economic stability.
[* The APPG meeting took place before the October Budget which included a real terms increase for the MoJ budget]
3. Legal aid and the barriers to representation
Mark and Sam both pointed to the increasing demand for legal representation and the significant impact that diminished legal aid has on vulnerable groups, particularly victims of domestic violence.
APPG members discussed Labour's focus on expanding legal aid but emphasised that eligibility criteria remains a barrier for many low-income individuals.
Expanding legal aid access to those most in need remains a crucial step toward a fairer justice system, and members highlighted the importance of ongoing legislative and financial support to make the government’s vision a reality for those affected.
4. Increasing judicial efficiency and tackling court backlogs
Members raised concerns regarding restrictions on judicial sitting days and their impact on case backlogs. Sam agreed, noting that reduced sitting days exacerbate delays in court proceedings, further straining the system.
Labour’s manifesto proposals touched on the issue of backlogs, yet members acknowledged the need for additional structural reforms to expedite case processing to alleviate pressures on the judiciary. Increasing judicial efficiency remains central to achieving a justice system that operates smoothly and reliably.
5. Legal profession workforce barriers
Sam highlighted challenges in attracting and retaining talent in the legal profession, especially within publicly funded areas like criminal defence. He noted that inadequate remuneration and high barriers to entry discourage new entrants from pursuing careers in areas with critical need.
Improving conditions for legal professionals – through measures including increased legal aid funding and structured pathways such as the Pupillage Matched Funding Scheme – could help address workforce shortages and ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds can enter and thrive within the legal sector.
APPG members also discussed how targeted outreach and support programmes for aspiring lawyers, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds, could address socio-economic barriers. Initiatives like modular law courses were praised as potential pathways to help students navigate financial and logistical challenges in pursuing legal education and training.
Future reform
As the APPG members discussed Labour's justice manifesto pledges, a shared hope for impactful reform was evident. The session underscored the necessity of well-defined policies and sufficient funding to ensure the justice system’s sustainability and accessibility. Labour’s vision is a positive step, yet it must be met with actionable and adequately funded strategies to build a strong, equitable justice system for all.
The APPG for Legal and Constitutional Affairs continues to advocate for increased funding, clear policy directions, and innovative reforms. Whether Labour’s plans can effectively address the complex challenges in the justice sector remains to be seen, but the APPG will continue to engage with the government, all political parties, and legal professionals to analyse progress.