Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
And justice for all?
PROFESSOR ANSELM ELDERGILL suggests ways in which the government can boost legal aid and support
AN IMPERATIVE CALL: Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London demanding action action over government set fees for legal aid advocacy work, 2022

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.  

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
A women's protest
Features / 5 September 2026
5 September 2026

Our priority must be to defend hard-won protections while linking equality law to trade union power and wider social transformation, says MARY DAVIS, on behalf of the Women’s Liberation Alliance

ONE SWALLOW DOES NOT MAKE A SUMMER: HMP Welland Oaks under construction in Market Harborough, Leicestershire part of a plan to deliver 13,000 new prison spaces by 2031, August 4 2026
Justice System / 21 August 2026
21 August 2026

With the agitated debate now raging in the media about the early release schemes, Prison Officers Association general secretary STEVE GILLAN gives the view of those who work in the sector

Lawman / 4 July 2026
4 July 2026

ANSELM ELDERGILL explains why the rule of law is fundamental to our liberty and welfare

A general view of the Houses of Parliament in London
Lawman / 11 October 2025
11 October 2025

ANSELM ELDERGILL is a member of Your Party and he suggests how the new party should reform Britain’s constitution