Islwyn MP Chris Evans has hit out at the Government’s proposed justice reforms.
The Labour MP has said the Tory-led UK Government should put crime fighting above cost cutting and that the New Justice Bill will have a huge impact on people in his constituency.
Speaking after voting against the second reading of the bill in Parliament, Mr Evans, who is a member of the Justice Select Committee, said: “I have been contacted by numerous constituents and solicitors concerned with the Government’s plans.
“I have even raised the issue of legal aid cuts in Parliament but the Government is just not listening. Cuts to the legal aid budget are going to hit vulnerable people in Islwyn disproportionately and the Government’s target to reduce prison numbers, in order to cut costs, is also very worrying.
“This bill will result in cuts to police and prison officer numbers, and to probation trusts. I am shocked that the Government’s cost cutting agenda is coming before cutting crime.”