In our first episode of 2026, we discuss access to justice, civil legal aid, the impact of LASPO and the case for a "National Legal Service".

Host: Jemima Lovatt

Guests: Stephen Hockman KC and Grace Cullen

Further reading:

SLL's "Towards a National Legal Service" pamphlet: https://www.societyoflabourlawyers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/SLL-Towards-a-National-Legal-Service.pdf

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chaired by George Peretz KC (Chair of SLL).

Panelists: Lord Richard Hermer KC (Attorney-General), Ellie Reeves (then Solicitor General), Sarah Sackman KC MP (Minister), Richard Atkinson (Law Society President) and Barbara Mills KC (Bar Council Chair).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About this episode

This episode will focus on the House of Lords. It will explore the role of the upper house in making legislation and the type of debate the Lords engage in as well as past and prospective reforms to our second chamber.

Guests

Baroness Smith of Basildon: Leader of the House of Lords.

Lord Charlie Falconer KC: a member of the House of Lords and former Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice and Solicitor-General.

Bren Albiston: Co-Chair of the SLL Constitution Group with a deep knowledge of upper houses around the world and a solicitor working in the City.

Host

Jemima Lovatt: SLL Executive Committee, creator of “Labour Legislates” and barrister practising in crime, environmental and public law.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.