1. The members of Lincoln House Chambers have been unequivocal in their rejection of the principle of dual contracts and opposition to yet further cuts in legal aid. They note that the Ministry of Justice has already made savings well in excess of those which it predicted and that, accordingly, the further cuts are both unnecessary and deeply damaging.
2. The members of Lincoln House Chambers sympathise with, and support, the objectives of the Manchester and Liverpool solicitors who, together with others, have taken the brave decision to refuse work at the new rates from 1st July.
3. We take the view that access to justice and choice of lawyer will be severely eroded by the cuts, which make practice in this area unsustainable. Time after time, the Ministry of Justice has been warned of this, but has sought to pursue its cynical policy, irrespective of the fact that no serious work has been done to establish the likely effects of the policies.
4. As a set of chambers run on democratic principles, we have held a chambers meeting to decide what action, if any, should be taken in support of the solicitors.
5. We see this as our fight. A fight on behalf of all those for whom access to justice – and quality advice and representation – is under threat.
6. Accordingly, the Members of Lincoln House Chambers have resolved that:
a. They will not be available to accept any work upon which the criminal legal aid certificate was granted on or after 1st July, 2015;
b. They will not be available to accept any returns of legal aid defence cases as from close of business on Monday 6th July, 2015.
7. This action is taken with extreme reluctance. We are professionals who have spent our careers serving the public in an area which is of fundamental importance to a fair, and free, society. We ask for the understanding of those who may be affected by this decision, but are convinced that it will be in the long-term interests of those who are involved in the criminal justice system.
Alistair Webster Q.C., Head of Lincoln House Chambers, has issued this statement on behalf of the members of chambers. Any media enquiries should be addressed to him, via chambers.