Gove Attacks 'Two-Nation' Justice System

Michael Gove has served notice that he is to ready to declare war on the legal profession in the same way he clashed with teachers as Education Secretary.

The new Justice Secretary launched a stinging attack on a "two-nation" justice system that allows the wealthy to enjoy "gold standard" services while many victims of crime are failed badly.

In his first speech since his appointment after the Tories' election victory, Mr Gove immediately sparked controversy by saying justice must work for everyone, not just the wealthy.

His remarks will stun the legal profession, which fought a bruising battle over legal aid cuts with Mr Gove's predecessor, Chris Grayling, and will have been hoping for a less turbulent relationship with the Government under his successor.

While his stance potentially indicates a shift away from the legal aid cuts - Mr Gove has already suspended the legal aid reduction for barristers if not solicitors - it is not a u-turn.

The speech by Mr Gove, demoted from Education Secretary to Chief Whip by David Cameron last year because of his unpopularity, suggests he is ready to be just as confrontational with lawyers as he was with teachers.

In a blunt warning that will dismay many lawyers, delivered in a speech to the Legatum Institute think tank, ex-journalist Mr Gove said the justice system was dysfunctional and urgent reform was needed.

He said: "While those with money can secure the finest legal provision in the world, the reality in our courts for many of our citizens is that the justice system is failing them. Badly.

"There are two nations in our justice system at present.

"On the one hand, the wealthy, international class who can choose to settle cases in London with the gold standard of British justice.

"And then everyone else, who has to put up with a creaking, outdated system to see justice done in their own lives.

"The people who are let down most badly by our justice system are those who must take part in it through no fault or desire of their own: victims and witnesses of crime, and children who have been neglected."

Mr Gove said too many cases were derailed by the late arrival of prisoners, video links that do not work and missing paperwork.

And barristers in crucial cases have been left unable to make the best case possible for their clients, he claimed, because they receive documents just hours before appearing in court.

Mr Gove, who has been visiting courts to observe proceedings, said: "I have seen barristers struggle to explain why a young woman who had the courage to press a rape charge should have had to wait nearly two years before her case was heard."

He added: "The waste and inefficiency inherent in such a system are obvious. But perhaps even more unforgivable is the human cost.

"It is the poorest in our society who are disproportionately the victims of crime, and who find themselves at the mercy of this creaking and dysfunctional system.

"Women who have the bravery to report domestic violence, assault and rape. Our neighbours who live in those parts of our cities scarred by drug abuse, gangs and people trafficking.

"These are the people who suffer twice - at the hands of criminals, and as a result of our current criminal justice system."