Judge warning highlights need for Ministry of Justice

12.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Feb 2007

Commenting on the warning from Judge Paul Collins, London's most senior county court judge, that the civil court system is on the edge of collapse, Liberal Democrat Shadow Constitutional Affairs Secretary, Simon Hughes MP said:

"This latest warning by a senior judge must be taken seriously.

"With solicitors and advice agencies really troubled about the future of legal aid and judges regularly concerned about the load on the courts, the message to the Government is clear.

"If Britain is to continue its reputation for proper access to high quality justice then we need to invest in our justice system as befits a key part of the welfare state.

"The next Comprehensive Spending Review should give a generous settlement to the Department of Constitutional Affairs and the sooner we get a Ministry of Justice to battle publicly for these services the better."