12-2pm, Bristol Queens Square
Come join us Wednesday lunchtime , (9th June) to protest against the Legal Services Commission (LSC), whose offices overlook Queens Square. Stop devastating cuts in Legal Aid which would mean some of the most in need are denied access to the 'justice' system.
The LSC administers the legal aid scheme, meaning they are responsible for helping over 2 million people each year to deal with their legal problems.
What's wrong with that then?
Legal aid is vital in ensuring everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the help they need in the courts. However, recent cuts and administrative changes have meant that this in now in jeopardy. This is particularly apparent in the case of Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ).
What do Refugee and Migrant Justice do?
RMJ provide legal advice and representation to help migrants at every level of the immigration and asylum process. Changes in legal aid funding mean that rather than getting paid by the month, RMJ now have to wait until the closure of a case, which can often take months if not years. If this scheme continues, RMJ will be forced to close.
And what would that mean?
The consequences of this would be massive – thousands of people, including children and victims of torture, trafficking and armed conflict would be left without adequate legal representation to face an uncertain and possibly deadly future. Miscarriages of justice, already prevalent in the asylum system, will only increase with devastating results for those involved. It will worsen a system that already detains people indefinitely for no crime and deports people with no guarantees as to what will happen upon their return. A system that puts people in dehumanising situations as a matter of course and whose starting position when assessing asylum claims is one of suspicion and disbelief. The government have claimed that no one will be adversely affected if RMJ are forced to close. However, in reality there is no other organisation capable of meeting the demand. RMJ's closure would put lives at risk and end a vital lifeline of support.
But why should I care?
Even if you're not affected by what's happening with RMJ, cuts in legal aid and changes in the LSC are having negative consequences for millions of people. They are threatening to create a two-tier justice system, where those not sufficiently wealthy are deprived of the legal advice and representation that are fundamental to the justice system. They threaten a crucial way of challenging government policy in the courts, giving the government greater power to decide whether a case receives funding and thus removing accountability. And plans to bring in a fixed fee structure to replace an hourly rate threaten cases of vital importance receiving the attention they need. This is a situation that threatens us all. It demands a united call of indignation. It demands resistance.
What can you do? Come to the next Bristol No Borders meeting, 15th June, Kebele Social Centre, 14 Robertson Rd, Easton. 7pm. We meet every other Tuesday. Following meeting 29th June. www.bristolnoborders.wordpress.com
bristolnoborders@riseup.net
Visit the RMJ website http://tinyurl.com/Save-RMJ-Campaign and contact the Immigration Minister/Secretary of State