Our statement regarding today's Legal Aid vote

Our statement in response to the government’s defeat in the House of Lords today over plans to cut back on the number of children entitled to Legal Aid (Legal Aid, Sentencing and Offenders Bill 2012)

Enver Solomon, Policy Director at The Children’s Society, said:

'Members of the House of Lords have shown their commitment to protecting the rights of up to 6,000 children who might otherwise have been forced to face court alone.

'It is unacceptable to expect a child to navigate an adult legal system. We hope that the government will listen and recognise the importance of access to justice for children.'

Ends

Media enquiries

For more information, please call David Dinnage in The Children’s Society media team on 020 7841 4422 or email david.dinnage@childrenssociety.org.uk. For out-of-hours enquiries please call 07810 796 508.

Notes to editors

The Children’s Society wants to create a society where children and young people are valued, respected and happy. We are committed to helping vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, including children in care and young runaways. We give a voice to disabled children, help young refugees to rebuild their lives and provide relief for young carers. Through our campaigns and research, we seek to influence policy and perceptions so that young people have a better chance in life.