It is a strange way to run a country. The elected government short-changes the justice system and while admitting that damage and hardship may result, it calls on those working in the system to give their services pro bono to cover the shortfall.
Why lawyers? Are we really so rich that we should be expected to give our hard-earned skills away for nothing? When did forced giving become an acceptable way for a government to fund their political programme? Are health workers going to be told that the problems of the health service are to be solved by doctors volunteering not to be paid? Are teachers going to be asked to enable the recruitment of more teachers by taking a pay cut?
Mother Teresa was right when she said: ‘It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.’ That’s why lawyers do pro bono. I’m sorry, but I just don’t love Mr Gove that much.
Christopher Digby-Bell, London W1
