A group of protesters have announced plans for a nationwide road blocks to protest against government plans to cut legal aid. A statement released by UK Uncut, the anti-austerity group famous for direct action against tax avoidanceers, said they planned to undertake “mass civil disobedience” against what they described as “dangerous changes that will destroy democracy”.
The statement went on to encourage other groups from around from around the country to organise similar road-blocks on October the 5th. The group was unapologetic as to the disruption that would be caused, saying “We know that this will be disruptive. We know that it will stop the traffic. But we know that this kind of direct action works”.
The activists plan for roadblocks to happen around the UK and have enlisted the support of various other direct action groups, including Disableds People Against the Cuts and Plane Stupid. The protest groups claimed that their actions would be “symbolically highlighting the devastating effect the changes will have on access to justice”.
The plans emerge following a week in which England’s most senior family judge described government plans for legal aid as ‘disconcerting’ and suggested that ‘something needs to be done’. Last month the government was forced to backtrack on a key part of the reforms, that of removing the right of legal aid defendants to choose their solicitor, following protests.
The government claims that changes will improve efficiency in the legal system.. But this claim has been challenged by research showing that the estimated £6m savings will be dwarfed by £30m in knock-on costs.
Sarah Price of UK uncut said “The changes in legal aid are an assault on the poorest and most vulnerable in our society. By insisting on these so-called ‘cuts’ the government takes away our ability to challenge their decisions, allowing them to cut deeper and without the legal challenge. Yet, these changes are not about saving money: they are designed to rip away the foundations of the democratic system, making the weak and vulnerable voiceless”
Lynn Jacobs, a UK uncut supporter said “I will be supporting this action because I have already seen the impact of legal aid changes. I fled an abusive relationship and was not sure what to do to protect myself. Because of the changes to legal aid I could not afford get a court order to protect myself from my ex-partner. I feel sad that the government does not want to help to protect me, and women like me, from violence. Why can’t the government make companies pay their fair share instead of punishing people like me?”
