Labour lawyer makes legal aid stand

A BARRISTER who was picked from an all-woman shortlist to fight a Parliamentary seat for Labour last week has called for legal aid to be extended to tribunals.

Liz Davies, who will contest the Tory-held Leeds North-East seat, also wants eligibility for legal aid increased, and condemns restrictions on the right to silence.

She says: "Restrictions on legal aid are outrageous. Eligibility should be brought back in line with what it was in 1979."

Davies, 31, beat five other women to win the nomination, and plans to campaign against rail privatisation, racism, and for better healthcare.

She says she is confident of bringing about the four per cent swing required to win the seat for Labour.