Mr Brine, who is a member of the powerful Justice Select Committee, has been an outspoken critic of the proposals which would have introduced a system of price competitive tendering for firms working in this area of the law. He has spoken in a number of debates calling on Ministers to think again, particularly in respect of protecting the ancient right to chose a solicitor if you are arrested suspected of committing a crime.
Many members of the legal profession, working within legal aid and outside, have contacted the MP to express their concern about the plans including many working in Winchester which is the home of the Western Circuit and some 16,000 responses were sent in to the Government consultation earlier this Summer. The Justice Committee also released a highly critical report in July calling on Ministers to revise their plans.
Lord Chancellor Chris Grayling has now come forward with new ideas which have been worked through with the Law Society and Bar Council.
Speaking in the Commons as the revised plans were outlined, Steve Brine said; "Broadly speaking I welcome the Lord Chancellor's change of heart. His movement on choice after he appeared before our Select Committee in early July was welcome and it was logical to many of us there that changes to the price competitive tendering regime would follow. I think it is inevitable his revised plans will result in some consolidation of smaller firms, as the market inevitably responds and that is not a bad thing. Ultimately the hope is this will lead to a more stable environment for law firms so we can protect access to justice in a way that is sustainable and affordable for the taxpayer.
"My concerns about the original plans were many but I am pleased the Government have listened and responded to constructive criticism and come back with new proposals which enjoy the support of the bodies representing much of the legal profession in this country."
Pictured; Steve Brine and the Justice Select Committee question Lord Chancellor Chris Grayling
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The statement to Parliament which announced these changes can be viewed here.