Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is inquiring about recent actions taken to support pro bono work provided by legal professionals.
What recent steps has the government taken to support pro bono work by lawyers?
As one of the Government's pro bono champions, I am proud to support the valuable work provided by the legal and pro bono sectors. I regularly engage with pro bono stakeholders to engage directly with their work. Covid-19 has affected all frontline services, and the pro bono sector is not unaffected.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify any recent steps or initiatives taken by the government.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires whether the government agrees that more should be done to raise public awareness about available pro bono legal services.
Does the Solicitor General agree that we need to do more to promote greater awareness among the public about the legal services that are on offer?
Yes, absolutely. It is of the utmost importance that members of the public are aware of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the rights of other citizens; this builds confidence and the skills needed to deal with disputes, and ensures that everyone has access to justice.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific actions or initiatives for promoting public awareness about pro bono legal services.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asks whether the government should incentivise smaller legal firms to offer free legal support to those in need.
Does my right hon. and learned Friend feel we should incentivise smaller legal firms to undertake pro bono work?
Yes, increasing numbers of lawyers at all levels are already undertaking pro bono work, as my hon. Friend knows, because they recognise the truth—that it makes a real difference to people, communities and those who would otherwise be denied access to justice.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific incentives or measures for smaller law firms.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references a Bar Council survey indicating that many chambers cannot survive without additional support. She also mentions previous cuts to legal aid under LASPO.
Will the Law Officers work together with us, at this time of national crisis, and commit to reversing LASPO?
The Government continue to prioritise legal aid for the matters that need it most—where people's life or liberty is at stake, where they are at risk of serious physical harm or where children may be taken into care. Pro bono work is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, legal aid funding.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids addressing the specific request to reverse LASPO and instead discusses the current prioritisation of legal aid.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy