Chris Grayling has performed a U-turn over controversial plans to deprive defendants of the opportunity to choose a solicitor. In the face of overwhelming opposition from the legal profession, the justice secretary has abandoned one of the most controversial aspects of proposals to cut £220m a year from the legal aid budget. The announcement will not affect the scale of the cuts being imposed on the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), but will preserve a traditional element of criminal trials. Barristers and solicitors have united in opposition to the MoJ's plans, arguing that a defendant's ability to choose a solicitor is the best way to ensure high-quality representation is maintained. Lawyers have...
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