The following article appeared in the Law Gazette

"Government Accused of Tightening Belt on Justice "

The Labour Government was accused last week of having a 'bean-counting' approach to justice and of putting financial considerations before individual rights.

The reproach came at a fringe meeting co-hosted by the Law Society, Liberty and the Centre for Reform, at the Liberal Democrat Party conference in Bournemouth.

Law Society Vice-President David McIntosh said people should be aware of the erosion of their rights by a government which was seeking to save money. 'Justice should not be at the whim of the Treasury,' he said.

Simon Hughes, MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, said particular attention should be paid to Lord Justice Auld's review of the criminal justice system. 'All the evidence is that if (the government) see thatit will reduce costs, rather than increase liberty and accountability, they will seize upon it,' he warned.

Liberty directory John Wadham said that without proper safeguards, rights could be further eroded by legislation like the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which allows the police to monitor telephone calls, e-mails and Internet site visits.

Mr McIntosh also sent a warning shot to the government over the establishment of a salaried defence service. The president and I think this will be the biggest single issue (the Law Society) will be campaigning with solicitors on this year.

He said the Law Society was concerned that individual rights could be compromised in a system where defence representatives and judges were both 'in government pay'.

Sue Allen