Rachel Reeves has chosen to leave one huge gaping hole in spring statement

OPINION

Although the spring statement didn’t deliver cuts, it didn’t deliver a proper investment plan in our justice system either. A fair and effective justice system requires greater funding and bold decisions. The Chancellor rightly highlighted that we are living in an increasingly uncertain world. In times like these, we should look to our national strengths.

The legal services sector offers a bedrock of stability on which we can build sustainable growth and a resilient economy. It adds almost £60 billion to the economy every year and employs more than half a million people contributing to the UK economy and improving people’s standards of living. English law is recognised as an international standard and is the most popular choice of law in the world. In 2023, the UK exported £9.5 billion worth of legal services.

But the sector can do more with the right support. Further investment in justice is needed as tough decisions still need to be made on improving our courts and increasing legal aid provision. The upcoming spending review needs to provide more funding and resources to fix the justice system and boost this vital public service.

The industrial strategy will be a key moment for the Chancellor to show her commitment to growth. The Government should use this as an opportunity to unleash the legal services sector by taking action to boost skills, support innovation and AI and open up new international trade opportunities for our firms.

Without question, the legal sector is a powerhouse of the UK’s economy, but more than that justice is a fundamental public service that affects people’s lives every day. It ensures fairness, protects rights and gives people the safe space to thrive. Justice is not unlike health or education that help communities prosper. Investing in justice is a prerequisite for a fair, stable and happy society.