New rules mean MPs debate an issue when it reaches 100,000 signatures on a Downing Street petition and the interest in the subject, generated by the coalition's Transforming Legal Aid consultation, has been sufficient to secure a debate through the new Backbench Business Committee.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP, who is also a member of the Justice Select Committee which is conducting its own inquiry into the proposals, has engaged with dozens of constituents and members of the legal profession from across the country on the plans since they were unveiled.
Speaking in the debate, Mr Brine reminded MPs that Winchester is in many ways the home of the Western Circuit which, through the Chambers within it, have for centuries been the major providers of legal advice and advocacy at Counsel and Queen's Counsel level over the very large area of the country it covers.
He focused his remarks on the issue of choice of solicitor which he said was an ancient constitutional right threatened by the proposals in their current form and highlighted an example sent to him by a Winchester based barrister whose specialism in mental health issues has been invaluable in representing some very complex cases locally.
Steve Brine told MPs; "Putting aside the arguments about a reduction in choice in relation to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and the European convention provisions on the right to a fair trial, which I understand opponents of the proposals will bring forward, if they are pursued, Ministers must address the choice issue, so that we do not throw the baby out with the bathwater and lose this fundamental right."
He went on to conclude that he did not accept that the country faces a choice between well-funded public services that we cannot afford and terrible public services that we can. He said: "We need sustainable public services that we can afford in the long term, and that is as true in legal aid as anywhere else. It is true that we have one of the best legal professions in the world—a lot of it resides in my part of the world—and I want to see it live within its means. I think it is open to reform, but we need to think, slow down, find the initial savings required by the Treasury and then reform the system in a way that leads to reliable savings in the long term.
"I still think that the Government and the profession can jump together on this one, if they slow down and talk. I remain ever the optimist that we can do that."
Pictured; a screen-shot from the debate
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