Justice and Constitutional Issues

Legal Aid

For more information on any of these or other related issues please use the following link to the relevant government department.

Devolution Settlement

I am a keen supporter of the devolution settlement we now have in the UK with devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and hopefully Norther Ireland. I believe in decision making being taken to the lowest appropriate level - from the UN - to Europe to Westminster to the nations and regions of England and then right down to the increased powers for Parish councils to deliver services. The creation of the Mayoralty in London and the GLA for example show it is best to design systems of administration that work well for each locality. I support unitary authorities wherever possible and agreed locally.

The establishment of the NI Assembley will be one of our proudest achievements as we bring peace and prosperity back to NI after so many have been killed and maimed throughout the Troubles.

I don't support the concept of an English Parliament - it would be an artificial creation. I do however believe we should add greater accountability at Regional level to Assemblies and Strategic health bodies for example.

I certainly don't support the Speak Out Campaign which relies on myth and misrepresentation. There are currently enough structures for scrutiny of European matters.

Of course there is still ongoing debate surrounding the financial contributions made/ received by different part of the UK. Recent stories claim London should become an independent state because of the contribution it makes to the UK economy - claiming it makes a net contribution. Clearly at some stage the Barnett formula will need replacing - but of course the Net contribution to the UK economy from Scotland is hotly disputed by economists and the SNP. There will always be regional variances to allow for tackling the north south divide (metaphorical rather than geographical as some of the poorest ward in the UK are in London. Thus variations in spending across the UK on various public services will always be with us - unless the Tories of course really don't care about tackling poverty and inequality like they didn't last time!