Written questions

Legal Aid Scheme: Prisoners

Commons · Question 67458 · Tabled 14 Jul 2025 · Ministry of Justice · Official record

Answered 22 Jul 2025

Question

Asked by Lee Anderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has considered the potential merits of requiring prisoners convicted for (a) murder, (b) rape and (c) terrorism offences to work in prison to repay legal aid.

Answer

Answered by Sarah Sackman, 22 Jul 2025

Legal aid is not paid directly to the defendant. It is paid to lawyers and ensures defendants have a fair trial and can be punished for their crimes.The Legal Aid Agency ensures public money is used efficiently by applying means and merits (the interests ...