In brief: Weekend date for Labour lawyers

The Society of Labour Lawyers is holding a conference in Manchester this weekend, called 'Access to justice - can Labour do better?'. Keynote speaker will be the party's front bench spokesman on legal affairs, Paul Boateng, and other speakers include Steve Orchard, chief executive of the Legal Aid Board, and Legal Action Group director Roger Smith. The event, which will closely examine issues ranging from miscarriages of justice to immigration matters, will be held at Manchester Town Hall on 3 February. Details from Robin Goddard on 0161 442 1686.