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STOP PRESS! legal rights shock! tune BBC radio 4 16:00

stop press | 09.10.2007 12:35 | Analysis

latest threat to legal rights under arrest in "minor" cases. bizarre proposals remove rights to duty lawyer and replace with a call centre staffed by ex-police officers.

difficult to say exactly what the details are since this came to my attention only this morning, but one can imagine that being held in a police station without that essential "lifeline" of a duty solicitor, and only a call-centre operated by coppers to turn to seems to breach elementary rights of citizen protection from overwhelming state power. appears this proposal is to be brought in february 2008, with the companies already chosen. best tune in and find out.

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BBC has some more detials

09.10.2007 15:55

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7035533.stm

Looks like the upshot is that if you don't know the name of a half decent law firm you'll be even worse off than at present. You should still have free access to a law firm of your choice if you name them.

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And it seems....

09.10.2007 20:47

the 'call centre operative' will most likely be a retired cop because 'they know the law' - coming up roses aint' it

legal observer