Reform’s rise speaks to a deep crisis in Establishment parties – but relies on appealing to social and economic grievances the left should make its own, argues NICK WRIGHT
And justice for all?
PROFESSOR ANSELM ELDERGILL suggests ways in which the government can boost legal aid and support

CLEMENT ATTLEE’S Labour government introduced legal aid in 1949 through the Legal Aid and Advice Act in order to provide legal advice and representation for those who could not afford it.
Attlee viewed legal aid as a cornerstone of the new welfare state. The aim was “to provide legal advice for those of slender means and resources, so that no-one would be financially unable to prosecute a just and reasonable claim or defend a legal right; and to allow counsel and solicitors to be remunerated for their services.”
This objective recognised that the aim of justice is to give everyone their due and a fundamental purpose of the law is to prevent the strong from always having their way.
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