We asked protesters at today’s London demonstration against the legal aid cuts for their seven-second messages to Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.
Actor Maxine Peake (aka Martha Costello QC in BBC legal drama Silk)
“Hands off the justice system Grayling, and stop bullying the poor and dispossessed.”
PJ Kirby QC, barrister at Hardwicke
“I’m a commercial silk, but the attack on the criminal Bar is an attack on the whole Bar and an attack on justice.”
Neelim Sultan, barrister at 1 Mitre Court Buildings
“We are the last independent profession left standing. No more attacks on the independent Bar.”
Ryan Turner, law student at King’s College London
“Chris Grayling, you are the reason I can no longer practise criminal or family legal aid.”
Alison Lambert, barrister at 2 Pump Court
“This fight isn’t just about lawyers and saving lawyers’ fees, this fight is about saving the criminal justice system.”
Daniel Blaney, solicitor at ITN Solicitors
“Scrap Trident, and invest in public services including legal aid, which is vital.”
Edward Fenner, barrister at FMW Law
“Chris Grayling, stop the cuts, stop destroying the criminal justice system.”
Tessa Buchanan, barrister at Garden court Chambers
“Chris Grayling, you’re destroying a world class legal system.”
Gemma Burns, barrister at 33 Bedford Row
“You won’t win.”
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