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Legal plan 'will block justice' Legal plan 'will block justice'
(40 minutes later)
Plans which would allow banks and supermarkets to invest in legal practices will block access to justice, the Unite union has warned.Plans which would allow banks and supermarkets to invest in legal practices will block access to justice, the Unite union has warned.
The Scottish government's planned Legal Services Bill would allow lawyers to set up practice with non-legal firms.The Scottish government's planned Legal Services Bill would allow lawyers to set up practice with non-legal firms.
Unite said the proposals could lead to a system where legal services were provided on the basis of profit.Unite said the proposals could lead to a system where legal services were provided on the basis of profit.
Scottish ministers said the legislation will help Scotland's legal profession compete internationally.Scottish ministers said the legislation will help Scotland's legal profession compete internationally.
The concerns from Unite came as the Scottish Parliament justice committee continued its scrutiny of the bill.The concerns from Unite came as the Scottish Parliament justice committee continued its scrutiny of the bill.
The public interest demands legal services should only be provided by a strong and genuinely independent legal profession Gilbert AndersonSolicitorThe public interest demands legal services should only be provided by a strong and genuinely independent legal profession Gilbert AndersonSolicitor
In a submission to the committee, the union said it would strongly oppose any plans which would affect the ability of working people and their families in Scotland to access legal services, which are mainly provided by solicitors and advocates.In a submission to the committee, the union said it would strongly oppose any plans which would affect the ability of working people and their families in Scotland to access legal services, which are mainly provided by solicitors and advocates.
"The provisions of the Legal Services Bill will create an open-door for third parties with only profit on their agenda to influence, shape and dominate our justice system," claimed Unite, the UK's biggest union."The provisions of the Legal Services Bill will create an open-door for third parties with only profit on their agenda to influence, shape and dominate our justice system," claimed Unite, the UK's biggest union.
Gilbert Anderson, a solicitor of more than 30 years' experience, expressed "grave concern" over the bill to the committee, adding: "The public interest demands legal services should only be provided by a strong and genuinely independent legal profession which is thoroughly trained and disciplined in the practice of law."Gilbert Anderson, a solicitor of more than 30 years' experience, expressed "grave concern" over the bill to the committee, adding: "The public interest demands legal services should only be provided by a strong and genuinely independent legal profession which is thoroughly trained and disciplined in the practice of law."
The removal of restrictions on lawyers going into business with other non-legal firms was instigated after a complaint by consumer group Which? to the Office of Fair Trading.The removal of restrictions on lawyers going into business with other non-legal firms was instigated after a complaint by consumer group Which? to the Office of Fair Trading.
Which? claimed the current regulation of Scottish legal firms restricted choice for consumers and prevented alternative business structures from being formed.Which? claimed the current regulation of Scottish legal firms restricted choice for consumers and prevented alternative business structures from being formed.
Similar plans in England have been branded "Tesco law" - but Scottish ministers said this would not be the case in Scotland.Similar plans in England have been branded "Tesco law" - but Scottish ministers said this would not be the case in Scotland.
Consumer Focus Scotland, which is also giving evidence to the justice committee, welcomed the bill, saying there was a need to open up competition for legal services. Consumer Focus Scotland, which is also submitted evidence to the justice committee, welcomed the bill, saying there was a need to open up competition for legal services.
The legislation has also proposed a new regulatory framework for the legal profession.The legislation has also proposed a new regulatory framework for the legal profession.