Coroners and Justice Bill

We do take the Command Paper very seriously, but it does not say that automatic legal aid should be provided in every single case where people have died in the service of their country. Where that is requested—and it does not happen in every case—and a solicitor is involved, any application that comes from the Legal Services Commission is successful and legal aid is given for the representation of those bereaved families. The Ministry of Justice has granted it in 16 out of 16 cases. Three cases were not passed to the Ministry of Justice. Two claims were made which did not meet the guidelines that stipulate what is a valid request, while the third—funding for a digital review—is being provided. When the requests for exceptional funding are made in these cases, we give it as a matter of course. Of course we have to see whether it is appropriate but in cases where people have been killed abroad or for their country, our habit is to accept the recommendation.